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 started as a simple gathering has evolved into a vibrant day filled with family-friendly activities, including parades, live entertainment, and, of course, an abundance of delicious free pancakes served to attendees. As we celebrate the 75th Pancake Day this year, we honor the legacy of community spirit, tradition, and togetherness that has defined Centerville for generations. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, Pancake Day offers a slice of small-town charm and hospitality that continues to make this event a beloved hallmark of our community.
To learn more about the history of Pancake Day, grab a copy of the 75th Annual Pancake Day Guide and Commemorative Book published and distributed by our media partner, GoPitchTV/Iowa Media Network. Available beginning September 18th 2024
HISTORY & FUN FACTS
The first Pancake Day celebration was hosted on Thursday October 6, 1949 on the historic Centerville Square as a way to say “Thank You” to the people in Centerville and the surrounding areas for their patronage of Centerville businesses. Centerville was then home to a Pillsbury plant that provided the pancake mix for the first Pancake Day and for several years afterwards. The first year of the event, 15,000 pancakes were prepared on three or four griddles at the old Armory building that was located on East Jackson Street.
There were many events during that first event. A wood chopping contest and horseshoe pitching tournament were held, there were multiple live musical performances in the Band Shell, and at the end of the day, a 1949 Oldsmobile was given away!
Pancake Day grew larger as the years passed drawing celebrities, politicians and entertainers with local papers reporting up to 50,000 people were in attendance. Centerville’s Pancake Day has been mentioned in Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post and many Iowa based publications.
Over the past 75 years, Pancake Day has changed with the times, but has kept the original declaration– FREE PANCAKES to thank the patrons of Centerville businesses. In 1949, no one could have imagined that the excitement of Pancake Day would be continued today, with over 1,000 empty lawn chairs adorning the Centerville Square days before the celebration. This is a testament to the pride and enthusiasm for Centerville’s own Pancake Day Celebration.
(This a condensed version of the ‘History of Pancake Day’ written by Sonja Carson that can be found in the 75th Annual Pancake Day Guideas well as the 60th Anniversary book by Lisa Eddy)
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.
In the News
1996 Celebrate Our State
2014 A Star Spangled Celebration
1991 Come Home to America’s Hometown
2023 It’s Out of This World
Joann McCalment 1949
Debbie Noland 1959
Jackie Elgin 1969
Molly Milani 1979
Jan Phillips 1989
Celine McConville 1999
Savannah Drake 2009
Gabriella DePrizio 2019