Fat Tuesday means Fastnachts for many in our region. The German tradition has many indulging in doughy delights the day before Lent begins.

"It's a tradition. The day's not complete unless you have a donut," said Joanne Mooney, and Egypt, Lehigh Co. resident.

Barry Kuntz, Owner of the Bakery Nook in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, makes thousands of Fastnachts every year, selling them by the dozens. He said it's "the one big day of the year where you're getting ready for Lent, you're cleaning out your larder of all your fat and sugar."

Kuntz is more commonly known as "Barry the Baker." He said his love of Fastnachts came from his mother who cooked them when he was a kid. Now, at his bakery, he starts Fastnacht Day off early. "I got up a little after midnight and I was in here by about 2:00 this morning. The rest of the crew followed after that and we'll be making 400 dozen donuts," explained Kuntz. That adds up to 4,800 Fastnachts!

The bakery had a line out the door all morning and customers we talked to say they can't resist the tasty treats on Fastnacht Day.

"I just love to eat," said Kenneth Heimbach from Schnecksville.

"I used to help out my grandmother and my husbands grandmother make donuts. It's just always a good time," said Monda Bilger, also of Schnecksville.

Patricia Charles, of Egypt, explained, "My grandmother always made them and we would eat them plain with molasses in the middle. That's the only way!"

Eat up because Lent begins Wednesday!