BERNARDSTON — The pancake breakfast tradition that was revived about six years ago is back again, this time after a pandemic-necessitated hiatus in 2020.
The free breakfast will be held at the United Church of Bernardston on Saturday from 7 to 10:30 a.m. The event is coupled with the Bernardston Police Relief Association’s annual toy drive, to be held in the church parking lot from 7 to 11 a.m.
For the Kiwanis Club, the pancake breakfast is an opportunity to give back following the year’s fundraisers.
“We do pretty OK at fundraising, so we were able to put some funds aside to offer the breakfast at no cost to the public,” said Andrew Girard, a member of the Kiwanis Club’s board of directors.
The event usually serves about 150 people, Girard estimates, but was canceled last year amid the pandemic.
“We serve all the food so you don’t have to worry about people touching your food,” he said of this year’s health safety precautions. Attendees will be asked to practice social distancing. Masks are optional.
Available food and drinks include pancakes, sausage, bacon, juice, coffee and fruit. Additionally, Santa will be in attendance from 8 to 10 a.m.
“There are some restrictions with Santa to keep him healthy,” Girard noted. Children won’t sit on Santa’s lap, though photos and high fives are expected to be permitted.
Attendees of the pancake breakfast are asked to bring a toy if they can to contribute to the Bernardston Police Relief Association’s toy drive, which is believed to have started in 2009, according to Police Chief James Palmeri. The contributions are relayed to Toys for Tots to be distributed to families in need.
“We know it’s been a tough year, but if we can make a family in need better off, then that’s what we’re here for,” Palmeri said.
Unlike the pancake breakfast, the toy drive persisted in 2020, though it was held at the Fire Station instead of the United Church of Bernardston. Although the event always involves a drive-thru option, it was more relied on last year as a COVID-19 health safety precaution.
“That was very successful,” Palmeri said. “Actually, it was one of our best years ever.”
While a drive-thru option is still available at the church, people will be permitted to get out of their vehicles. About a dozen police officers and firefighters typically attend to accept the donations.
“If people feel safer with a drive-thru, they can hand (their toys) out the window,” Palmeri said of Saturday’s setup. “Sometimes we have to unload people’s cars because they bring so many toys.”
Palmeri said the types of toys contributed is wide-ranging, and has included gift cards, homemade items and shoes for older youths. Unused and unwrapped items are accepted.
“Stuffed animals were kind of frowned upon last year, but I hope to see them back this year,” he noted.
Should someone not be able to drop off a toy between 7 and 11 a.m., Palmeri said toys will be accepted at the Police Station through Tuesday.
Also offered by the Kiwanis Club is the annual tree lighting in Cushman Park, which will be held Sunday at 6 p.m. Hot chocolate and treats will be provided across the street at the Fire Station, and Santa will again be in attendance.
Reach Shelby Ashline at 413-772-0261, ext. 270 or sashline@recorder.com.