Washington Island Fish Boil Fest Returns to Illinois Feb. 3

It’s time again to make plans to attend the fourth annual Washington Island Fish Boil Festival (WIFF) at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, Ill., on Feb. 3. Washington Island commercial fisherman Ken Koyen will come ashore once again to conduct one of his famous whitefish boils, featuring his freshly caught whitefish, red potatoes and onions, all boiled in a large kettle over an open wood fire in the middle of Berwyn, served up with butter, coleslaw and dessert. Last year was a rousing success with almost 300 meals served.

Doors open at 3:30 pm with the first whitefish boil-over in the parking lot at 4:30 pm.

Music on the main stage begins at 4:30 pm and will run throughout the evening. A musical variety show backed by the acclaimed and Washington Island-connected The Seat Of The Pants Band will offer an entertaining evening of rollicking rock, country, blues, gospel, folk and more. Washington Island’s Julian Hagen will also take the stage and be joined by Paris Schutz, Kathy Sparrenberger, Rick Gourley, Andon Davis and Kevin Jones.

A jam session will also take place throughout the evening. Bring or borrow an instrument. Lead or join in the singing, or just enjoy the camaraderie.

FitzGerald’s is located at 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, Ill. General admission is $15, and free for 12-year-olds and younger. Food is an additional charge. Reservations must be made in advance to give Koyen an idea of how many pounds of fish to bring. Go to fitzgeraldsnightclub.com for more details.