Lions Club hosting annual Pancake Days this weekend

By Ashley Luthans

Breakfast food lovers can rejoice, as the St. Joseph Lions Club is offering all-you-can-eat pancakes once again this weekend for its 71st annual Pancake Days.

The event runs March 22-24 and garnered a large crowd before doors even opened at 7 a.m. on Friday. 

For $10, attendees can eat as many pancakes as their hearts desire. It’s not too late to attend, as those interested can simply show up at the St. Joseph Armory at 301 N. Woodbine Road, where the event is hosted, and purchase a ticket.

Pancake Days runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and then from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ron Barbosa, organizer of Pancake Days this year, Ron Barbosa, said the event is popular each year.

“I’ve been in the club for over 30 years,” Barbosa said. “And what we find is that, first of all, the pancake festival itself, it’s a happening that people look forward to. They look forward to it because of the pancakes, you know it’s the pancakes you can eat (and) the camaraderie that we see here.”

Bernie Fortmeyer has been attending Pancake Days for years, and he is always excited for the event.

“My wife and I look forward to it,” Fortmeyer said. “We actually walked over here this morning just to work up an appetite so we can eat with a clear conscience and maybe go back for seconds. But yeah, we love coming here.”

Free coloring books, designed by St. Joseph resident Ledger Simpson, were available for children at the event. Simpson created the coloring book for a few reasons.

“For kids to draw in them, but to also show off local businesses and advertisements,” Simpson said.

Within the coloring books, there are sections for children to create their own artwork that could be featured in next year’s book. The pages can be turned in to the St. Joseph Public Library for judging.

The proceeds from this event go toward the Lions Club’s philanthropy efforts, with most helping the visually impaired and community charities.