Trinity Annual Pancake Supper 2024
Why Pancakes? Why not!
Pancakes were traditionally eaten on the day before Ash Wednesday because they were a way to use up eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.
The expression “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the word shrive, meaning “absolve.” Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians who make a special point of self-examination and areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with.
Popular practices, such as indulging in food that one gives up for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten season.
On Pancake Day, “pancake races” are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom and at least one US town. The tradition is said to have originated in 1445 when a housewife from Olney, England, was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying frying pan and pancake, tossing it to prevent it from burning. The pancake race remains a relatively common festive tradition in the United Kingdom. The pancake race at Olney traditionally has women contestants who carry a frying pan and race over a 415-yard course to the finishing line. The rules are strict: contestants must toss the pancake at the start and the finish and wear a scarf and apron.
Since 1950 the people of Liberal, Kansas, and Olney have held the “International Pancake Day” race between the two towns. The two towns’ competitors race along an agreed-upon measured course. The times of the two towns’ competitors are compared to determine a winner overall. As of the 2019 race, Liberal was leading with 37 wins to Olney’s 29.
No racing needed at Trinity. Just queue up for some delicious pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Pay as you are able.