The 54th Annual Rotary Pancake Day returns to the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall, Saturday, December 6, from 8 am to 1 pm. Rotary members will be staffing the kitchen, turning out fluffy flapjacks and homemade sausages from Butcher’s Best. The $7 ticket for adults and $3 ticket for children under the age of 10 includes applesauce, orange juice, milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, as well. If one serving does not quite do the trick, there is no need to be shy. As always, Pancake Day is “all you can eat,” served with a smile by Newtown Middle School and Reed Intermediate School Interact Club members.

Pancake Day has evolved into much more than breakfast over the years, said Rotarian Pat Caruso. It is a celebration of the holiday season. This year, the dance team from Lathrop School of Dance and holiday music by pianist Ken Harper will entertain diners. The Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet will perform vignettes from The Nutcracker Suite.

The North Pole’s most jolly of elves is taking some time out of his busy season to stop by the Pancake Day event. Hop onto Santa’s lap for a holiday photograph, and Rotary Club members will be happy to e-mail the results.

Building on the Rotary pledge of service to others, Pancake Day guests are encouraged to bring canned and other nonperishable food items, paper supplies, and toiletries to support the FAITH Food Pantry in Sandy Hook Center. A collection box will be set up in the dining area for donations.

Breakfast and brunch guests are invited to visit the Ben’s Lighthouse table this year, for information about the organization dedicated to fostering “all children’s potential to build a more compassionate and connected world.” Ben’s Lighthouse, named for 6-year-old Ben Wheeler who died 12/14, hosts various workshops, community events, and outreach programs throughout the year.

Rotary members remind the public that Pancake Day is a community service project, with all proceeds going to support charity groups in Newtown and the surrounding area.

Newtown Rotary reaches out beyond the borders of the town, as well. Its “Gift Of Life” program has raised funds to provide life-saving heart surgery for 26 children from around the world, this past year.

The Rotary Club continues to collect used bikes for its Wheels For Kids program, said Mr Caruso. Wheeled toys, tricycles, sidewalk bicycles, Big Wheels, bicycles, and BMX bicycles are appropriate donations to Wheels For Kids. Donations are being accepted through Friday, December 5. There is no charge for bicycle pick up. For more information, call Mr Caruso at 203-426-8870 or Brian Amey at 203-364-2906.

Eat, drink, donate, and be merry — let the holidays begin.