Election Day Pancake Festival returns for 67th year
Pancakes and elections have been a key part of Butler County for the last 67 years. Today was no different as the community came out for a full day of food.
A pancake breakfast, held through a partnership with Lifesteps and the Butler County Rotary Club, raises funds for Lifesteps’ three programs, which start with free autism screenings, opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and affordable care for the elderly.
President and CEO of Lifesteps Karen Sue Owens said the breakfast is typically a big hit in the community. They expect to serve pancakes to anywhere from 700 to 1,000 people.
“We hope to have over 1,000 people, as that would be our hope depending on the election year and since today is beautiful, we hope to see a lot of people,” Owens said. “Doing this on Election Day has been a tradition and this is a place where political party does not matter.”
The Rotary Club had members working in shifts for the breakfast. One of the members who was serving pancakes and sausages was Dennis Baglier. He has been part of the club since 2003. Baglier shared that the motto of the club is ‘Service Above Self.’
On top of the community coming together to share fellowship, the event also featured multiple gift baskets as part of an auction, live music from the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and a bake sale.
Millie Pinkerton, a resident of the area, has been coming to the breakfast for years. She shared her thoughts on what the breakfast means to the community.
“This is such a great meeting place and not everyone always has pancakes for dinner, so I know my grandchildren are very excited to have pancakes and sausage for dinner,” Pinkerton said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly also made an appearance at the breakfast after going to the polls to talk with people.
People were welcome all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Conrad Church Social Hall, 125 Buttercup Road. Presale tickets were $8. Tickets at the door are $10 and children under five eat free.
