LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Mike Brack, International Pancake Day Chair, 2025
We are delighted to welcome you to the 76th Annual International Pancake Day, a joyous tradition that unites Liberal, Kansas, USA, and our sister City Olney, England, in friendly competition in these one-of-a-kind festivities.
Since the first U.S. race in 1950, this unique event has brought our communities together, honoring the age-old tradition of Shrove Tuesday with a spirited pancake race.
This year, we have festivities like the Eating & Flipping Contests, Pancake Chase and the Walk & Roll Fun Run on Saturday. Sunday will be the traditional afternoon Tea Party. Monday, we honor our Grand Marshalls with a reception at Baker Arts Center.
Tuesday is the day for all the real excitement. Starting at 6 a.m. the griddles will be ready to cook up lots of pancakes and sausage. The official breakfast program starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Seward County Activity Center. At 10:15 a.m. the youth races will start off the competition at IPD Hall of Fame.
The Mascot, Mother and Daughter, and Men’s Pacer races will follow the youth races and lead up to the International Race that will be run at 11:55 a.m. After the winner is crowned and she has caught her breath after crossing the finish line, the Shriving Service will take place at the First United Methodist Church just down the street. The service is traditionally fitting for Shrove Tuesday and the beginning of the Lenton season on Ash Wednesday.
After the service the racers will all receive their awards and gift baskets, and we then start the live link to our friends in Olney to get the official time and meet their race winner.
There isn’t much time after that and it’s time for the Parade. We are honored to have Megan Shank Harp, Marc Shank and Miranda Shank Ruland as our Grand Marshalls this year. They are the late Al Shank Jr.’s children. The Shank family has been involved with Pancake Day since the beginning. Al Shank Sr. started it off as the voice of Pancake Day and handed it off to Al Jr. who carried on the family tradition until 2023.
After the parade is over it’s time to wind down and clean up and start plans for the 77th International Pancake Day.
It is such an honor for me to help lead this remarkable legacy for our community. This large event could not be accomplished if it were not for the many businesses that help financially, the service groups like Rotary, Kiwanis, and the Boy/Girl Scouts. The volunteer board of directors work for 12 months to put everything together for these events. Each one of the board members is so special and works so hard to carry on this tradition.
Our day will be filled with laughter, camaraderie, and, of course, pancakes.
From the pancake-flipping to races to the delicious pancake breakfasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We are excited to see participants from diverse backgrounds sharing in the fun.
As we gather to celebrate this special day, let us remember the spirit of unity and friendship that has made International Pancake Day such a cherished event. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-time visitor, we hope you make wonderful memories and enjoy every moment.
Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary tradition. Let’s make this 76th Annual International Pancake Day a very special event, one for the history books.
I look forward to seeing a large crowd out for all the events this next few days!
