SAN ANGELO, TX – The holiday season is in full swing, and Fort Concho is kicking off its annual celebration: Christmas at old Fort Concho. To get things shaking, the Lions Club of San Angelo will host its annual Pancakes with Santa. The pancake breakfast has been a part of the fort's festivities for over 40 years.
Even though Christmas at Old Fort Concho celebrates its 35th anniversary, the pancake dates back several years before. It was originally held at the same time as Frontier Day, which is celebrated in the spring.
“It’s really a traditional start to a big day on Saturday,” said Bob Bluthardt, director of Fort Concho.
The breakfast is made possible with the collaboration of several businesses across town. IHOP has donated the pancake batter for several years, and will be donating 25 buckets for this Saturday’s event. Lowe’s Market donates the butter and syrup and DeCoty provides the coffee.
The event attracts many visitors; last year alone, over 1,600 people were served and had the opportunity to enjoy the entertainment provided by the organization. In order to make an event of this size possible, eight local Lions Club members work together to arrange the entire event; from the cooking, to serving, to the ticket selling, club members complete every task. The organization's members begin planning the event in September to ensure they have everything ready for the big day.
The Pancake Breakfast offers Lions Club members a way to be active in the community and the chance to raise money for local charities. Since 1925, when Helen Keller asked the Lions Club to become the Knights of the Blind, the organization has been dedicated to raising the necessary funds to help those who can’t afford eye exams or glasses.
To this end, the organization established the Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Center, located at 27 West Concho, which provides glasses to those who need it the most. All the money raised at the pancake breakfast will go towards helping this charity, and any other the Lions Club supports.
Pancakes with Santa will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, inside the Stables Building from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and families will be able to visit with Santa, who will be available for pictures.
Even though the weather forecast for this weekend shows cold temperatures, the Lions Club members invite everyone to come out and enjoy this family-friendly activity. All the cooking will commence at 6:30 a.m. outside, but visitors will be inside where they will find a heated dining room and access to bathroom facilities.
“It’s a lot of work, but very well worth it,” said Chairperson Joyce Downie. “We really enjoy it.”
Breakfast tickets will be on sale for $6 or $10 when purchased with a ticket to explore the activities going on at the fort. Children 6 and under can eat for free. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious pancakes, scintillating sausage and a variety of drinks including coffee, milk, juice and water.
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