Fastnachts in Crisis

The Great Blizzard of 2024 is descending upon the Lehigh Valley at the worst possible time. Today is Fastnacht Day. But up to 8” of snow is expected by 12 noon. How can the local Dutchies make it to the Volunteer Fire Company kitchen in time to purchase on those lard-fried, potato-based lumps of fried dough that they love so well?

I fondly remember my first fastnacht from 1973. In fact, I’m still digesting it. My Air Products supervisor stopped at the Trexlertown Volunteer Fire Company on his way in to work on Fastnacht Day and purchased a dozen of the delicacies of the day. I was unaware that if your body was not trained from childhood to digest those calorie bombs, you had best avoid them in adulthood. My motto then as now was, “If it’s for free, it’s for me.” When my boss dropped that cold, soggy lump of fried dough on my desk, I foolishly gobbled it up. Rookie mistake.

Thousands upon thousands of fastnachts are consumed in the Lehigh Valley on Shrove Tuesday. Will snow-covered roads and treacherous driving conditions separate the locals from this epitome of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine? Will the vats of lard in Fire Company kitchens go for naught? After 51 years, am I finally ready for my second lifetime fastnacht?

Stay tuned.

By Ed Dufton