A few weeks ago I was driving around town when I saw a banner hanging over an intersection:
“Firefighter’s Association Annual Pancake Breakfast”
I remember attending these as a child, with their mediocre–if plentiful–pancakes, opportunities to sit in fire engines, and probably stickers and balloons. My understanding is that this is a common event around the United States. How did this get started? I understand that part of the purpose is to build awareness about fire safety within a given community, starting with young children, and perhaps raise funds for the organization. Free food is a tried and true method of ensuring attendance at most events.
But what’s the (historical?) connection between pancakes and firefighters?
A breakfast puzzle…
Contemporary Contempt 
Sorry Rachel …. I googled this question at least 8 different ways. I found hundreds of pancake breakfasts sponsored by fire departments all over the country … but now one on the history or the “Why?” (You can file this comment under “Inquiring minds want to know” … or “Retired teachers have far too much time on their hands.” Keep writing!!! You’re amazing! 🙂
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Thabks so much for checking! At first I thought I might try to answer the question, but then I just decided to throw it out into the void. Perhaps some historian of the quotidian will take it up someday and enlighten us.
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Oops … make that “not”… not “now” …. (and while you’re at it “Thanks” not “Thabks.” (Once a teacher, always a teacher ;-)!)
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I’ve never attended a firefighter pancake breakfast, but growing up Catholic and attending Catholic schools from 8th grade up, these were an annual fundraising staple in that community. I wonder whether there’s something about pancakes that seems like a simple, easy sell for just about anyone looking to bring in easy money.
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Maybe pancakes are to firemen as doughnuts are to policemen? Sorry, that is not a serious response! I remember pancake breakfasts at firehouses too, but I think of them more at churches and VFW halls. – Marty
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