![The sophomores were recognized on the field instead of walking across the stage during their doubleheader. They received their diplomas and a picture of themselves playing during their career at Seward. [Pictured left to right are Dylan Day, Reed Thomas, Jase Schneider, Mason Martinez, Gannon Hardin, Brody Boisvert, and Zach Walker]](https://crusadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WEBDSC_0275-900x454.jpg)
![Marcos Montoya takes a break from working on his personal health from working at the gym. He says “That’s [the gym] my second home, basically. I’m there more than I am at my own house.”](https://crusadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/web1UpCloseMarcos1-1200x800.jpg)
Virtual Pancake Day takes place today
Add your memories—new or old—to the online celebration
Pancake Day has been a Liberal tradition for more than 70 years. It was canceled and moved to an online event this year due to COVID-19 protocols and the severe cold weather blanketing the area. As part of the virtual celebration, share your memories of Pancake Day and make new ones in your home. (File photo)
Waking up to the smell of pancakes sure is delicious. In Liberal there is a whole day dedicated to it. Pancake Day is celebrated every year on the day before lent officially begins. This year, however, you’ll have to celebrate it on your own.
With COVID-19 restrictions and the arctic vortex temperatures, the annual event was canceled. Or maybe more aptly put, it morphed into a virtual celebration and a trip down memory lane. On the official Pancake Day facebook page, board members requested for others to send in pictures of their at home celebrations to honor the tradition.
The local celebration began in 1950 and is a day filled with fun activities like races, parades, food and no school.
Typically on Pancake Day mornings, towns members gather to enjoy a delicious breakfast of, you guessed it — pancakes. The gathering usually takes place in the Seward County Activity Center.
“It is an important tradition as it is the day a lot of our community comes together,” Edma Landa, political science major, said.
The big attraction is the annual pancake race.
This race is part of a 70-year competition with Olney, England. In the race, women of both towns run 415 yards to the finish line with a skillet and pancakes in hand. The first to the finish line is declared the pancake race winner. Last year, Seward County Community College student Whitney Hay won the international competition.
The races aren’t just for women. Men, children and business mascots participate in the annual races.
While the races on Pancake Day have been canceled, the 5K is still on. It was moved to March 20. You may sign up at the Liberal Recreation Center.
Schools also join the celebration by participating in the pancake flipping competition. It is a competition between students and classes to determine which school can flip the most pancakes.
“I remember competing in the pancake flipping contest when I was in intermediate school, it was so much fun,” Anahi Navarette, pre-veterinary major, said.
Unfortunately that is the only celebration being done this year for pancake day. Due to the pandemic and cold weather this year’s pancake day celebration will be canceled. Something a few Liberal locals are bummed about.
According to Landa, she is upset the celebration is canceled but feels relieved she won’t have to help clean on such a cold day.
Share your Pancake Day memories — new and old — on social media using these hashtags: #pancakeday2021 #ToTheStarsKS
—This article was updated on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Maria Coronado is an 18-year-old freshman and a Liberal native. She is currently an undecided major, but has many interests...
Amy • Feb 16, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Great article!
There is a 5K that has been rescheduled to next month. Join me! Don’t worry, I promise you’ll be faster than I will. The official race hasn’t been rescheduled though. It has been cancelled for this year.
https://m.facebook.com/150100398340271/photos/a.394372043913104/4473974492619485/?type=3&source=48&__tn__=EH-R