By Ben Cox
The 77th annual Jacksonville Kiwanis Pancake & Sausage Day brought warmth, community spirit and thousands of hungry diners to the Morgan County Fairgrounds on Monday, March 16—despite some of the coldest conditions the long-running fundraiser has seen in recent memory.
Temperatures throughout the day struggled to climb out of the upper teens and low 20s. Even so, organizers and volunteers pressed on.
By day’s end, Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville members fed about 4,600 people—impressive given the weather, even if it fell short of the usual 5,000 to 6,000 diners.
“It was extraordinary,” said co-chair Pam Martin. “Especially considering just how bitterly cold it was. We weren’t sure what to expect early on, but people really showed up.”
The event is the club’s largest fundraiser and has been a community staple for more than seven decades. Now in its second year at the fairgrounds, the event continues to draw from across the region.
Co-chair Vicki Loughary said, “I’m just grateful that people love the camaraderie once they get in here. The weather hasn’t really hindered it a whole lot.”
For Loughary and Martin, organizing the event is a monthslong effort that culminates in a single, fast-paced day. “This is a well-oiled machine,” Loughary said. “There are a lot of preparation meetings ahead of time, but when the day comes, everybody knows their position, they know what to do and they just jump in gladly.”
Preparation begins well before sunrise on the big day with cooking crews arriving as early as 5 a.m. From there, volunteers worked in shifts throughout the day, ensuring consistent service until close.
Many volunteers as well as members of a local Key Club helped that day. “We’re blessed to have them,” Loughary said.
The event’s success is measured not just in the number of meals served, but in the impact those meals have. Funds raised during Kiwanis Pancake & Sausage Day support programs and initiatives that benefit local children.
For Loughary, serving as co-chair alongside Martin was a rewarding experience. The two divided duties based on their availability, with Martin taking on much of the logistics and advertising, while Loughary focused on building enthusiasm within the club.
While this year’s edition may be remembered for its biting cold, it will also be remembered for the resilience of those who made it a success.
“Everybody still has a smile on their face, and we’re having fun,” Loughary said. “That’s what makes it special.”
