The same year that Mayor J.A. Deegan turned over his reins to F.E. Higinbotham, the Bridgeport Lions Club held its first citywide pancake feed.

 

Seventy years later, it’s still going strong. This year’s event will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, as always, at the Benedum Civic Center. Sandwiched between the Jingle Bell Jog 5K and the Bridgeport Christmas Parade, the pancake breakfast is among a trio of community events slated for the day. Served with a smile by members of Bridgeport Lions Club will be pancakes, sausage, coffee or beverage of choice. Eat-in or carry out meals are $8 each for adults and $5 for children age 6 to 12. Kids age 5 and under eat free.

 

The pancake feed runs 8 a.m. through noon, giving community members options, said Charlene Smyth, Bridgeport Lions Club member.

“I think it has kind of become an annual tradition that people can either come to breakfast before the parade or go to the parade and then stop in for a late breakfast,” Smyth said. “And by attending, they are helping out the community as well because we always keep giving back, not just to the blind and visually impaired, but to a variety of different projects, including scholarships to graduating (BHS) seniors.”

 

All proceeds benefit the Bridgeport/Harrison County community in the form of sight conservation projects, free eye exams, diabetes testing clinics, free eyeglasses, support to the food pantries, drug prevention programs for the schools, and assistance to the Clarksburg Mission. 

 

The pancake feed is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, so it is depended upon heavily to carry out its outreach work.

 

“We have our spaghetti dinner in September, our chicken roast in July and the pancake feed in December,” Smyth said. “We have been doing some extras, like additional chicken roasts, but those are our three main fundraisers.”

The pancake feed is not only an important fundraiser, but also a social time for members of the club as they spend time with each other and members of the public.

 

“We do have a good time doing it,” Smyth said. “If anyone ever thinks they might want to get involved with something that serves their community, the Lions Club is such a great group of people. We not only want to serve, but we have a fun time together doing it. We’re like a little family.”

 

To purchase tickets in advance, inquire about membership or direct any questions to Lion Russell Francis at 304-842-5895. 

 

The Bridgeport Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m., the procession starting near All Saints Catholic Church and traveling east to the Benedum Civic Center, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be meeting and greeting in the upper floor of the Civic Center where a hot cocoa reception will be held. The pancake feed is on the lower floor of the Civic Center. Read about the parade and how to register as a unit HERE.

 

The Annual Jingle Bell Jog kicks off from the Benedum Civic Center at 8:30 a.m. on the same day. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. More information is forthcoming on that event.