HUNTLEY – On the morning of Sept. 29, a good chunk of Huntley will be waking up to the sizzle of pancakes on the griddle and the smell of bubbling batter being flipped through the air.
But any memories of mornings past will be whisked away as attendees realize there are enough pancakes being made here to feed an army.
Lions Club members work together during a previous pancake breakfast. (Photo provided)
Sun City residents Bob and Mary Ruth of N.27 will be making pancakes for the sixth year in a row for Huntley’s annual pancake breakfast put on by the Lion’s Club of Sun City.
When: Saturday, Sept. 29 from 7 – 11 a.m.
Where: Huntley REC Center cafeteria, 12015 Mill St.
Cost: $5 per person
More info: huntleyfallfest.org
Huntley Fall Fest
When: Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 30
Where: Deicke Park, Route 47 between Mill and Dean Streets, Huntley
Cost: Free on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$5 per person Friday night
$5 per person Saturday from 5 – 11:30 p.m.
Those interested in attending only the carnival must enter through the Main gate on the west side of the REC Center.
More info: huntleyfallfest.org
“Last year we served 300 people at about three pancakes per person…so that’s about 900 to 1000 pancakes,” Ruth said. “We are hoping to do better [this year].”
This year’s breakfast is held in conjunction with Huntley Fall Fest, another annual event featuring a carnival, food, and live music in Deicke Park. All money raised will go to the Huntley Park Foundation and other area non-profits.
In past years, pancake lovers have been limited in their consumption, but a change this year looks to set them free – and likely increase the Ruth’s workload.
“It has been three-pancakes-only in the past, but it is now all you can eat this year… we hope [that] entices families to come,” said Ruth.
The price for adults is five dollars. Kids 12 and under with an adult are free.
To handle the incredible hunger of pancake lovers at the breakfast, the Lions Club has purchased five grills and is allowed to use the Cosman Cultural Center’s kitchen free of charge.
“We have six people making pancakes at [any] one time. We are happy to make any profit because it all goes to charitable projects that stay in the Huntley area,” Ruth said. “The best part is [getting] to see all the people you know, and that [the breakfast] is a community effort.”
