The History of Pancake Day
Pancake Day is a cherished tradition that began in 1949 as a community celebration to lift spirits and bring people together.
Over the past 75 years, it has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, drawing thousands of visitors from near and far.
What began as a simple community gathering has grown into one of Centerville’s most cherished traditions. Over the years, Pancake Day has evolved into a vibrant, full-day celebration filled with family-friendly activities, including parades, live entertainment, and, of course, an abundance of delicious free pancakes served to thousands of attendees. While the event has grown in size and scope, its heart has always remained the same: bringing people together and celebrating the spirit of community.
For generations, Pancake Day has reflected the pride, hospitality, and togetherness that define Centerville and Appanoose County. It’s a day when neighbors reconnect, visitors are welcomed like family, and volunteers from across the community come together to make something special happen. Whether you’re a lifelong local or experiencing Pancake Day for the first time, the event offers a true taste of small-town charm and a reminder of what makes this community so unique.
To dive deeper into the story of Pancake Day, explore the commemorative Pancake Day Guide published each year and distributed by our media partner, GoPitchTV/Iowa Media Network. This publication highlights the event’s origins, important milestones, and the many individuals and organizations who have helped shape Pancake Day into the beloved tradition it is today.
History & Fun Facts
In 2021, Centerville’s beloved Pancake Day reached new heights by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most pancakes served at a single event, serving just over 14,000 pancakes. This remarkable achievement added a new chapter to the long-standing tradition that has united the community for over seven decades.
The record-breaking day was a testament to Centerville’s spirit of collaboration and festivity. Held on the last Saturday of September, Pancake Day has always been more than just about the pancakes—it’s a celebration of community, history, and local pride. But in 2021, the stakes were higher as the Pancake Day committee set their sights on a world record.
Months of meticulous planning went into ensuring everything was in place. From organizing volunteers to updating the recipe slightly to fit into Guinness World Record guidelines, every detail was carefully managed. The community rallied together, with local businesses, volunteers, and residents all playing a part in making the event a success.
On the day of the event, the town square buzzed with excitement as volunteers manned dozens of griddles, flipping pancakes as fast as they could. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked pancakes, and the line of eager attendees seemed endless. By the end of the day, Centerville had served an astounding 14,280 pancakes, officially earning the Guinness World Record and cementing its place in history.
Pancake Day Themes
1986 Marked the First Year that themes were assigned to Pancake Day annually.
There were early themes that coincided with other local events happening at the same time. In 1950, Pancake Day recognized “Fire Prevention Month” and “Patriotism”. Since 1986, the theme ideas have been sent to PACT (previously known as the Centerville Chamber of Commerce) by Centerville and surrounding area citizens. The theme is very important to planning each year as it drives the t-shirt and button designs as well as provide inspiration for floats in the Kiddie Parade and Big Parade.
Past Themes
- 1986: Homecoming ’86
- 1987: The 50’s & 60’s Revisited
- 1988: 40 Fabulous Years
- 1989: Salute to the 80’s
- 1990: Magic of the 90’s
- 1991: Come Home to America’s Hometown
- 1992: Discover America
- 1993: Coal Miner’s Hometown
- 1994: There’s Music in the Air
- 1995: Roaring 20’s
- 1996: Celebrate Our State
- 1997: A Note-Able Affair
- 1998: 50 Years – A Time To Celebrate & Remember
- 1999: How The Midwest Was Won
- 2000: Relivin’ the Classics
- 2001: Celebrate the 70’s
- 2002: Holidays on Parade
- 2003: The Great Animal Stampede
- 2004: A Rich Heritage with a Promising Future
- 2005: Catch the Spirit
- 2006: Explore the World
- 2007: A Magical Destination
- 2008: 60 Years – A Never Ending Story
- 2009: Sounds Good to Me
- 2010: LOL All Day Long
- 2011: It’s All Fun & Games
- 2012: Pull Up A Chair & Enjoy the Show
- 2013: Ready. Set. Go
- 2014: A Star Spangled Celebration
- 2015: Still Growing Strong
- 2016: Under the Big Top
- 2017: Be True To Your School
- 2018: Pancake Day Strong
- 2019: Marching Through The Years
- 2020: None
- 2021: My. Oh. My What A Wonderful Day
- 2022: Pancakes in Paradise
- 2023: It’s Out Of This World
- 2024: Travel Back in Time– Pancake Day Through the Years
- 2025: Peace, Love & Pancakes
The Kiddie Parade & The Big Parade
Centerville’s Pancake Day is renowned for its two parades, each with a rich history that adds to the event’s charm.
Centerville’s Pancake Day is renowned for its two parades, each with a rich history that adds to the event’s charm. The Kiddie Parade, a beloved tradition since 1964, is a delightful showcase of children’s creativity and community spirit in five categories: bicycles, pets, small vehicles, floats and costumes. Following the Kiddie Parade is the Big Parade, which has been a cornerstone of Pancake Day since 1950. This grand procession features an array of floats, marching bands, and local organizations, creating a spectacle that captures the heart of Centerville and draws visitors from near and far to celebrate this cherished annual event.
Miss Pancake Day Queens
The Miss Pancake Day pageant has been a beloved tradition since the very first Pancake Day in 1949, evolving alongside the event itself.
Originally a simple contest to crown a local queen, the pageant has grown into a centerpiece of the celebration, reflecting the values and spirit of the Centerville community. Over the years, it has adapted to changing times, with updated formats and criteria, but its heart remains the same—honoring young women who embody grace, leadership, and community pride. Today, the Miss Pancake Day pageant continues to be a highlight of the festivities, drawing enthusiastic crowds and offering contestants a chance to represent Centerville & Appanoose County in a meaningful way. As the event celebrates its 75th year, the pageant remains an enduring symbol of the tradition and charm that Pancake Day brings to our town.
Past Miss Pancake Day Queens
- 1949: Joann McCalment
- 1950: Barbara North
- 1951: Sally Johnson
- 1952: Fonda Harris
- 1953: Shirley Ryals
- 1954: Penny Hill
- 1955: Judy Kller
- 1956: Sally Clark
- 1957: Jewell Miller
- 1958: Michele Wehrle
- 1959: Debbie Noland
- 1960: Marcella Cline
- 1961: Judy Bryan
- 1962: Sherry Criswell
- 1963: Carol McDanolds
- 1964: Sheila Conn
- 1965: Dianne Conger
- 1966: Susan Bolick
- 1967: Diane Craver
- 1968: Nancy Hood
- 1969: Jackie Elgin
- 1970: Debbie Ryan
- 1971: Vicky Rysdam
- 1972: Julie Epperson
- 1973: Jane Starcevich
- 1974: Dana Olsasky
- 1975: Tammy Kauzlarich
- 1976: Marla Morris
- 1977: Rita Fox
- 1978: Kelly Dickerson
- 1979: Molly Milani
- 1980: Glynis Houser
- 1981: Jamie Oden
- 1982: Jodie Oden
- 1983: Dian Darrah
- 1984: Jennifer Horton
- 1985: Sharla Handley
- 1986: Angela Garside
- 1987: Angie Petre
- 1988: Stephanie Casady
- 1989: Jan Phillips
- 1990: Laura Farr
- 1991: Jan Kaster
- 1992: Megan Woodward
- 1993: Julie Kirby
- 1994: Bradi Beubauer
- 1995: Haley Smith
- 1996: Holly Duncan
- 1997: Brette Hart
- 1998: Tatum Crowell
- 1999: Celine McConville
- 2000: Kate Deatsch
- 2001: Delissa Hindley
- 2002: Amanda Wilson
- 2003: Carolyn Sidles
- 2004: Jenny Matkovich
- 2005: Barbara Carter
- 2006: Elizabeth Davis
- 2007: Markie Allgood
- 2008: Bridget Sidles
- 2009: Savannah Drake
- 2010: Bethany Lange
- 2011: Jill Whisler
- 2012: Shelby Royer
- 2013: Maddison Lange
- 2014: Mariah Clawson
- 2015: Madi Moorman
- 2016: Libby Sebolt
- 2017: Maggie Cowan
- 2018: Madeleine Robinson
- 2019: Gabriella DePrizio
- 2020: Haddie Hurley (No Pancake Day)
- 2021: Maddie Kirkland
- 2022: Breckyn Carney
- 2023: Kiera Klum
- 2024: Noelle Craver
- 2025: Emery Hawkins
To learn more about the 75th Annual Pancake Day celebration, visit the Pancake Day page and for a full list of upcoming events, activities and more in Appanoose County, check out our Events Calendar.