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Things to Do: Special
Events: Pancake Day
Newcomers to Liberal
might be amazed to see people dashing down Kansas Avenue on a
chilly winter morning, pancake skillets clutched tightly to their
apron-covered chests as they race. But that just means it's Pancake
Day, a holiday all of Liberal celebrates.
Pancake Day dates back
to 1445. It all started
in Olney, England, when one woman was busy preparing her pancakes
and the bell rang to go to church to be "shriven" of
her sins. She grabbed up her griddle and pancakes and ran in her
apron to the church, becoming the first pancake racer.
Since then , Olney
has declared Shrove Tuesday the official Pancake Day in England.
Every year on this day, women from Olney race with skillets and
pancakes to the church, just as it was done in 1445.
In 1950, the Liberal
Jaycees contacted the Rev. R.W. Collins, Vicar in Olney, to propose
an international competition. Since then, Olney and Liberal have
raced against each other, keeping a running score of race winners.
Over the years a three
day celebration has grown up around the event in Liberal. The
festivities include a pancake feed, eating and flipping contests,
musical programs and a talent show. Other activities, including
old-time artisans displaying their crafts and the Miss Liberal
pageant are included in the weekend's events as well.
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