Lent parties?

What's up with all the parties being given by parishes during Lent? When did this start? Looking at my diocese's newspaper I read that the Knights of Columbus are holding a banquet to raise money for some worthy cause. Champagne and dancing in the church hall. Gee. Did Vatican II change the nature of Lent? Is it no longer a season of penance and preparation?

Another church in the diocese is having a Beef and Brew. The folks are going to gather round, listen to music, dance, drink beer and chow down to barbecue. Last week Catholic Charities had its black tie gala (Around here it's the biggest Catholic party of the year outside of a Kennedy wedding) All this during Lent. Sheesh!