The Salem volunteer firefighters will be firing up the griddles for their annual Salem Fire Pancake Day from 6 to 11 a.m. March 4 at Salem Elementary.
"It is our only fundraiser," said Laura Gerald, office manager for the department. "It has become a tradition."
The price is the same $3 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, milk and coffee it has been for 30 years. Children 6 and under eat free.
Gerrald said this fundraiser brings in funds the firefighters get to decide how to use.
The firefighters cook and serve. Gerrald said they will have a group of Boy Scouts volunteering to help.
The silent auction includes items for local businesses and organizations, such as gift cards and basket. The department plans to put the items up on Facebook before the event. Anyone who wants to donate can reach out to Gerrald through the Salem Fire District Facebook or call 501-912-2273.
This year, they are raffling off a Smith and Wesson AR-15. The gun will not be on site. They will start selling the tickets soon. They are $5 each or five or $20.
Modern Woodman of America plans to match the funds raised through the Pancake Day up to $2,500. They will present the check a few weeks after the event.
Gerrald said people from the community love this event.
It is a great way for people to interact with the firefighters when they are not on a call.
She said there is one firefighter who has been with the department for 40 years who talks about what the Pancake Day means to him each year.
Gerrald encourages people from all over to come to the breakfast.
"Come out and enjoy what we have been told are the best pancakes in the world," she said.
