Flapjack Fever: Pancake Breakfast Day In Mokena Set To Return Oct. 2

MOKENA, IL — Flapjack fans can rejoice now that the date has been set for the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Mokena Fire Protection District.

The Pancake Breakfast is scheduled to take place from 7:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 2 at MFPD Firehouse No. 1, 19853 S. Wolf Road. The event is hosted by the MFPD and the Mokena Lions Club.

Firefighters and Lions will be side-by-side serving up golden stacks of pancakes, sizzling sausage and fresh fruit. Coffee, juice and milk will also be available.

"Over the past several years, the Mokena Fire Protection District has partnered with the Mokena Lions Club to host the event together," said MFPD Chief Joseph Cirelli. "Both organizations are focused on the Mokena community, and the partnership has benefited both organizations.

The MFPD is planning a number of activities and demonstrations to help residents become more informed about the dangers of fire and how to better prepare to prevent one, as well as showcasing other non-fire-related incidents members of the MFPD respond to.

Specific details about the activities and demonstrations were still being worked out, Cirelli said, but would be made public soon.

"The annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House has been a staple in Mokena for many years, beginning back with our old fire station on Front Street," Cirelli said. "The firefighters enjoy interacting with the community in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a day full of good food, demonstrations and, most importantly, fire prevention. The event is held on the first Sunday of each October, kicking off Fire Safety Month and ahead of Fire Prevention Week."

In addition to fire prevention and safety demonstrations by the MFPD, members of the Mokena Lions Club will be offering free hearing and vision screenings through the Lions Foundation of Illinois, according to Mokena Lions Club Event Coordinator Israel Smith.

Smith said the funds that are raised during the event go directly back into the community through the various services offered by the Lions Club and the many organizations it supports, including Leader Dogs for the Blind and Mokena-based Heartland Service Dogs.

"As always, the money raised stays local to our club and supports people in need in the community," Smith said.

Aside from the great food, fun activities and demonstrations, Smith said his favorite part of being involved with Pancake Breakfast over the past three years has been getting to work with the MFPD and interact with the community.

"I just love seeing all the people, especially in the firehouse, coming out, and seeing the kids climbing on the trucks and getting to sit in the trucks, and the fire department mascot walking around with our mascot, Roary," Smith said. "It's just a great community event.

"To me, I love being in a firehouse. It kind of brings you back to your childhood days. It's a special experience. And I think it really accentuates the small-town feel that makes Mokena a great place."

The Pancake Breakfast and Open House is a free event for the pubic. Donations are appreciated, and there will be a collection for canned and non perishable goods to help benefit the Frankfort Township Food Pantry.