81st annual Kiwanis Pancake Day raises funds for Bacon Park

The aroma of brewing coffee and frying sausage captured the attention of hungry folks Saturday as they headed into the Poplar Bluff Junior High School for the 81st annual Kiwanis Pancake Day, proceeds from which benefit area children.

Pancake Day Chairman Matthew Sparks was busy making certain all the workers had what they needed to keep the estimated 400 to 500 people fed.

Including pancakes and drinks, Sparks watched to see there was enough plastic forks, napkins, butter, syrup for everyone and carry-out containers and bags for those taking breakfast home for their family. Manning three shifts of between 10 and 12 workers with the first group beginning at 6 a.m. and the third ending at noon, Sparks’ job was to see everyone leave well feed.

Kayden Robertson and Emily Hobbs are about enjoy breakfast Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

Pancake Day is followed by a couple of hours of cleanup for club members.

Sparks described the crowd as "really good. Some years it is hit and miss. When it’s good weather like today, families want to get outside.”

Kiwanis Club members “really appreciate the public who come out to benefit Bacon Park,” Sparks said.

Kylie Hobbs and Aden Robertson butter their pancakes Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

While people like pancakes, Sparks thinks it is more about getting together and seeing people who you haven’t seen in awhile.

Funds raised will be used to create a safe playground environment for all children, of all capabilities to come together to play. The Kiwanis Club saw a need in the community. Children deserve a place to play, to be a kid and to just have a good time. The club wants the Kiwanis Bacon Memorial Park to fill a void that the community was missing.

Money from the event will be used in the development of the second phase which will bring additional all-inclusive play equipment into the park. The new project will connect to make a large playground built with pour-and-play rubber surface to create a safer area for children and will have a surface for wheelchairs, walkers or crutches to easily travel on.

Reese Kasinger (left) questions his mother Laura Kasinger, both of St. Louis, about his drink Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

The club members support other local organizations by holding drives and events throughout the year. Each winter they collect pajamas for Foster Adopt Connect to help children in foster care. Diapers and other items are collected throughout the year to benefit foster children.

They also host the Wolf Creek Trail Run each spring and the annual the Nashville Christmas Concert in December.