Pilots cooking pancakes Saturday

Published 9:34 pm Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Bring an empty stomach and a giving heart to the annual pancake and sausage day sponsored by the Andalusia Pilot Club.

Pilot Club President Mellisa King said they hope to serve more than 2,000 people this Saturday morning with made-from-scratch pancakes.

King said the pancakes are made with more than 50 dozen eggs, 50 gallons of milk and seven gallons of oil, plus more than 450 pounds of Kelley’s sausage to complement the breakfast.

“Friday we’ll start hauling and preparing everything out there needed for the breakfast,” King said. “Including the ingredients for the breakfast.”

She said much of the ingredients is donated or funded by local grocery stores and sponsors.

“We’d really like to thank our sponsors and those who support us,” King said.

It’s estimated more than 1,000 people will gather at the Kiwanis Community Center to enjoy the breakfast, which is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 6, from 5:30 a.m. until noon. The cost is $7 per person for an all-you-can-eat breakfast, and tickets are available at the door or by contacting any Pilot member.

The proceeds from the event are donated to local Covington County charities, including the American Red Cross, Save-A-Life and Crossover Ministry.

“There’s a long list that we give to in the community,” King said. “The main thing we do is partner with the sheriff’s department on Project Lifesaver.”

Project Lifesaver donates free personalized wristbands with radio transmitters to individuals who are “at risk” for wandering.

She said the Pilot Club also supports Community Christmas by purchasing helmets for any child who receives a bicycle, and the proceeds from the pancake breakfast help fund this project.

Many of those donating their time to cooking and serving the pancakes will be the Andalusia High School Anchor Club members.

“They have 46 members this year, and many of the girls in the club will be coming to help us,” King said. “We think it’s important for those girls to know the importance of volunteering in your community.”

Many locals attending the event also have a chance to visit with community members they may not have seen recently, King said.

“You can come out, eat and shop,” she said.

The Andalusia Business and Professional Women’s Club will also host its annual Christmas Bazaar and Arts and Craft Show on Saturday from 6 a.m. until noon, in conjunction with the pancake breakfast.

“We have anything from jewelry to handmade baskets and lamps made from deer antlers,” Glenda Simmons said. “Some artists are from out of town, but most art and crafts are made by locals.

Simmons said anyone interested in having a booth at the show can contact her at 334-208-6601 before noon on Friday.

“We allow anything except baked goods,” Simmons said.