Decline in Attendance at Costa Mesa Fish Fry Linked to Immigration Enforcement

News Summary

The annual Fish Fry, organized by the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club, suffered a significant drop in attendance this year. Increased immigration enforcement by ICE nearby has created fear among the community, particularly affecting Latino families. The Fish Fry typically attracts around 20,000 visitors, but this year’s attendance fell by about 25%, resulting in only 3,500 fish dinners served. This decline raises concerns about funding for local charities that the event supports.

Costa Mesa – The annual Fish Fry, a community tradition held by the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club, experienced a significant decline in attendance this year, attributed largely to increased immigration enforcement activity by ICE in the area. The Fish Fry, which has been celebrated since 1946, usually draws around 20,000 visitors over its three-day span. However, this year, attendance dropped to approximately 25% less than in previous years, raising concerns among organizers and community leaders.

The Fish Fry is renowned for its offerings of freshly prepared fish dinners, food trucks, live music performances, and a full-sized carnival complete with rides and games. Admission is free, and the event serves not only as entertainment but also as a crucial fundraising effort for the Lions Club, generating between $40,000 and $50,000 typically to support local charities, including school athletic leagues and organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs.

This year’s gathering was notably smaller, with organizers reporting that only about 3,500 fish dinners were served. Councilwoman Arlis Reynolds pointed out that the decreased turnout is reflective of the heightened fear within the community, particularly among Latino families, who were reportedly hesitant to attend due to the nearby presence of ICE agents. On the weekend of the event, ICE operatives were observed just two blocks away from Lions Park, further exacerbating the anxiety felt by many residents.

The impacts of diminished attendance are significant for the Lions Club, as a reduction in revenue affects their ability to fund crucial community projects. The Fish Fry plays a vital role in fostering connections and enhancing community spirit, elements that have been woven into its history through various traditional events, including a parade, the crowning of “Miss Fish Fry,” and “Most Beautiful Baby” contests. However, in recent years, some of these traditions have been scaled back.

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a previous venue change to Fairview Park, the 2022 Fish Fry returned to its long-standing home at Lions Park. Despite the reduced turnout, the event still featured live entertainment and carnival games, striving to maintain a sense of community connection. Local police reassured residents that they would not enforce immigration laws during the event, attempting to alleviate fears and encourage attendance.

Overall, the record low attendance at the 2022 Fish Fry underscores broader community concerns surrounding safety and the implications of federal immigration policies on public events. As the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club looks ahead, the hope remains that next year’s Fish Fry will once again draw in large crowds and bring the community together in celebration and support of local initiatives.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa’s Fish Fry
• Wikipedia: Fish Fry
• Los Angeles Times: Fish Fry Carnival Returns
• Google Search: Costa Mesa Fish Fry
• Orange County Register: Fish Fry at Fairview Park
• Google Scholar: Costa Mesa Fish Fry
• Los Angeles Times: Fish Fry Returns to Lions Park
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fish Fry
• Orange County Register: Fish Fry History and Recipe
• Google News: Costa Mesa Fish Fry