ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP — How would you like to be one of us?

That was the gist Saturday of the annual Lawco Lake fish fry.

Actually, the fish fry is more than a chance to fry fish: It is a yearly invitation for those who are not lake association members to enjoy the activities at the private retreat and see what lake association membership has to offer.

“We like to say this is the best-kept secret in Lawrence County,” Lawco Lake Association President Larry Frische said. “This (fish fry) is our way of introducing people to what we have out here.”

What they have includes fishing, swimming and boating on the 20-plus acre lake. They also have camp cabins that can be used as a year-round home or a summer getaway, tennis, a new children’s playground and acres upon acres of Lawrence County woodlands.

“The fishing is great,” said Danny Hartwig, association member. “We have large-mouth bass, catfish, crappie and we’ve had some good catches of bass that were 5-7 pounds. And we try to maintain it. We’ve put artificial structures in to help with fish habitat.”

Recent improvements to the lake include a new dam and spillway that took seven months and nearly $400,000 to construct.

The fish fry itself has become a not-to-be-missed social event for those who are already association members.

“Everyone looks forward to it,” Frische said.

In addition to the 200 pounds of ocean cod that went into the frying pan, attendees were treated to live music and a chance to walk away with split-the-bucket winnings.

“This is a great bunch of people,” Frische said. “I can’t say enough about them. And we’re constantly working to improve things. People are missing a great time and a great place to come. One you get out here and get used to it, it’s a far cry from town.”