Here we are, folks. 

Our field of 32 Ultimate Pittsburgh Fish Fry contestants is down to the Final Four, with the championship just one round of voting away. You have until noon on Tuesday, March 24 to get your votes in for the final, head-to-head matchup. 

But first we need to address the elephant in the room. 

We started this year’s bracket waaayyyyy back in the halcyon, pre-pandemic days of *checks notes* last month. It was a simpler time. 

Since then, the diocese has canceled fish frys to limit the spread of coronavirus and restaurants have been ordered to close. Harvard Medical School recommends: “Prepare your own food rather than going to a restaurant or even getting takeout.”

And while we debated whether to continue on with this bracket, we’ve decided to keep going until a winner is crowned. Why?

1. Voting is online-only, so we’re good there.
2. We suspect that you’ve likely already chosen your favorite(s), so you can still make an educated vote.
3. And we think it’s a good way to provide a little levity in a difficult time.

So, just keep voting, just keep swimming, and let’s find these moments of Pittsburgh joy when and where we can.

If you’ve been following the results, here’s what happened last round as nearly 2,000 voters cast ballots to bring the Elite Eight down to the Final Four. 

• In the fire halls & social clubs category: Swissvale VFD beat North Braddock VFD in a close match-up. Only 29 votes separated the two. 
• In the eateries division: Keith Heinritz Katering of Trafford bested Emil’s of Rankin. 
• In the churches – city category: Mount Washington’s St. Mary of the Mount easily beat Sacred Heart in Shadyside. 
• And in the ‘burbs: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport trounced St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville in a major landslide. St. Sava’s fans are in it to win it. 

Click here to download (and print) a high-resolution PDF version of the bracket to see how the matchups played out.

Voting for the final round

Now it’s time to decide who goes on to the championship.

Use the form below to vote from the comfort of your house by noon on Tuesday, March 24.

The championship matchup will be announced Thursday, March 26.

Stay home. Stay safe. And keep voting. 

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