Maggie Bruxvoort and Rob Bruxvoort were some the early arrivals at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. It was the first time they attended the event.
Maggie and Rob Bruxvoort saw the sign almost daily advertising the Graafschap Fire Department July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St.
“We’d drive by it and thought we’d finally stop in,” said Rob sipping coffee while Maggie enjoyed the pancakes cooked by local firefighters just across the room on Tuesday, July 4.
The early arrivals – they were at the table by 7 a.m. – were joined by hundreds more at the annual community event that helps raise awareness and funds for the fire department at covers Laketown Township and the western half of Fillmore Township.
Last year’s event drew 1,406 people and raised about $7,400.
Zoey Hallam, left, and Casey Achterhof prepare the batter on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St.
For Zoey Hallam and Casey Achterhof, the morning marked their first time behind the counter preparing pancake batter. They kept the mix moving as the cooks called for more and the line began to stretch around the fire station.
The pancake breakfast started in 1968 as a way for the Graafschap Civic Club to raise money for a ball field. The fire department took over organizing and running the breakfast in 1991.
Valerie Jones holds Oliver, 21 months, at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Besides breakfast, the department offered safety items for children and displayed equipment for the community.Entering the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, between the fire trucks on display.Volunteers keep the food stocked at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.Former Graafschap Fire Department Chief Cal Haverdink at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.Tables start to fill up at the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.The sign welcomes people to the Graafschap Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the fire station, 4534 60th St., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
