By Krista Hurley – The Merchandiser

“‘Not all fastnachts are created equal,’ said Phil Haberstroh, who attends Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia.

“People connected with the church are knowledgeable in the way of deep-fried, yeast-raised potato pastries, as Holy Trinity has held its Fastnacht Bake annually since 1924. What began as a fundraiser for the construction of a new church building – which was completed, dedicated, and blessed in 1929 – has expanded into a project that features more than 115 volunteers who help to make and prepare approximately 7,000 dozen fastnachts each year. ‘Several generations have been involved (over the years),’ noted volunteer Ed Wickenheiser.

“Traditionally, fastnachts are made on Shrove Tuesday – also dubbed ‘Fastnacht Day’ – to use up any stored fat and lard prior to Lent, which is a time of fasting observed in many Christian denominations. At Holy Trinity, however, Fastnacht Day has expanded, with the pastries available for pickup on 11 bake days over a five-week period.

“Due to the high demand for these fastnachts, volunteers stressed that customers may not ‘walk in’ to purchase pastries on any of the bake days. Instead, fastnachts must be preordered by calling the hotline at 684-0487. Telephone lines will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays beginning Monday, Feb. 4, and continuing until all 7,000 dozen fastnachts have been sold.

“Haberstroh pointed out that as long as fastnachts are still available, callers should reach a live person. Once all pastries are sold out, callers will hear a message that relays that information. ‘Be patient when (you) call,’ said Wickenheiser. ‘The lines may be busy, but sooner or later, (you) will get through. Separate costs have been set per dozen and per half-dozen, as well as for glazed and for plain fastnachts.

“Orders may be placed for pickup on any or all of the 11 bake days, which have been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11; Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 12; and Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13. After that, bakes will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays only until Wednesday, March 13. Preordered fastnachts must be picked up at the parish center, located at 409 Cherry St., Columbia, which is the site of Our Lady of the Angels School … .” To read this Merchandiser article (and to see more photos) click here.