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It’s a longtime tradition many in the community take part in to kick start their Fourth of July celebration into high gear.
The South Pasadena Kiwanis Club’s annual pancake breakfast is as old as the Festival of Balloons’ Parade itself – 37 years – and still going strong.
“People seem to love it,” said John Vandercook, a key Kiwanis organizer of the effort each year. “It’s a big tradition for our club.”
At dawn on the Fourth, the South Pasadena Fire Department, 817 Mound Avenue, will open its doors to the community as Kiwanis members start flipping pancakes. The event is slated from 7 to 10 a.m. and Kiwanis officials are urging the public to get an early start to avoid a long wait.
South Pasadena Fire Chief Paul Riddle says the breakfast is something we all look forward to saying “It represents everything people love about South Pasadena! Community coming together to celebrate our freedom with Family, Friends and Community.”
With the parade falling midweek, the long weekend is taken out of the equation and Vandercook expects a larger than usual crowd at the breakfast as people are expected to stay close to home.
Youth groups from the Key Club, Circle K, South Pasadena High and Pasadena City College will all be on hand to provide assistance. In addition, the Action Club from the Institute of the Redesign of Learning will also send helpers to the breakfast. For more than 40 years, the Institute has provided care for individuals with special needs.
“We love their support, it’s great,” said Vandercook. “They’re very helpful.”
Captain Anthony Porraz of the South Pasadena Fire Department said, “It’s nice to see all the kids and families come out to the station and enjoy the pancake breakfast. Afterwards, it’s great to see the parade, all the festivities, along with the fireworks show that night at the high school. It makes for a great day, starting with the pancake breakfast.”
Tickets are $8 and kids 6-and-under are free.
“Come on out,” encouraged Vandercook. “It’s going to be fun.”
Where to buy pancake breakfast tickets:
•South Pasadena Fire Station, 817 Mound Avenue
•South Pasadena Senior Center, 1102 Oxley Street
•Bristol Farms, 606 Fair Oaks Avenue
•Charlie’s Coffee House, 266 Monterey Road
•Dinosaur Farm, 1510 Mission Street
•Mission Framing, 1501 Mission Street
•Re-Imagine Your Home, 1518 Mission Street
•UPS Store, 1107 Fair Oaks Avenue
•South Pasadena-San Marino YMCA, 1605 Garfield Avenue
•The Moo on Mission, 1006 Mission Street
