Pancakes add flavor to nation’s 250th birthday

Participants in the 58th Annual July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60th St., look over the pancake options on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The question of the morning at the annual July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60^th St. in Laketown Township, was all about numbers: One pancake or two? How about three? But never just one.

People greeted their neighbors with “Good Morning!” and “Happy Fourth of July!” in the 58^th annual event that celebrates community and the nation’s independence while mixing in pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice.

The event drew 1,324 people, according to Chief Doug BenBleyker.

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“We received more help from our members families and non-members which made a huge difference this year,” he said. “It greatly increased our efficiency which resulted in an extremely small wait time in line for breakfast.”

Deputy Chief Mike Capel serves Carol Rochert at the 58th Annual July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60th St.

Carol Rochert, with a red fire hat on, and her husband, Matthew, have been attending the pancake breakfast since 1991.

“There’s such nice people here and wonderful food,” Carol said.

Cora Petroelje, 3, shows off her Independence Day bow while her mom, Whitney, holds the holiday meals at the 58th Annual July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60th St., on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Cora Petroelje, 3, showed off her red, white and blue hair bow to the row of firefighters serving breakfast before she put her red fire hat back on.

Cora’s mom, Whitney Petroelje, balancing two plates of pancakes, syrup and sausage, said the entire family has been part of the event for years.

Graafschap Fire Department firefighters serve pancakes at the holiday meals at the 58th Annual July Fourth Pancake Breakfast at the Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60th St., on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

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 to thank the community for its support.

This year’s breakfast also celebrated the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Servers wore commemorative shirts and hats as a large banner welcomed the crowd.

Suggested donation was $6 for adults and $3 for children. All money raised goes to Friends of the Graafschap Fire Department, a 501(c)(3) organization that sponsors the event and distributes the funds collected to charitable organizations.

Sponsors include Biggby Coffee, Dunes View Kwik Shop, Lawrence Towing, Shoreline Container and Packaging, Quincy Street Market, Pro Temp, and Republic Services.