People are serious about their pancakes in Pineville.
The Pineville Rural Fire Department opened the doors to its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at 6 on Saturday morning, April 7.
Within 15 minutes of opening, the fundraiser had its first customer. By 6:30 a.m., one person stopped by and said she was on her way to the half-marathon in Bentonville, Ark., said Pineville mayor and assistant fire chief Gregg Sweeten.
By 7:30, volunteers were busy flipping pancakes, cooking up eggs, sausage and bacon, and making sure the coffee was plentiful and hot for the constant stream of customers.
By 10 a.m., business was very steady and the juice was already gone, but the fluffy pancakes were plentiful.
Cindy Watkins and her family, of Jane, enjoyed a warm breakfast, complete with biscuits and gravy. Watkins read about the fundraiser, then decided to take advantage of the breakfast for $5 so she wouldn't have to cook. Instead, she and her family could drop by and enjoy breakfast, then run errands.
"And it's for a good cause," she said.
Volunteer fireman Bob Payton, who was in charge of serving gravy, said the fundraiser drew a crowd.
"We've had a good turnout," he said.
Temperatures averaged around 27 degrees in the 6 o'clock hour. Officials speculated that the cold weather -- on a "spring" April day -- might have contributed to the crowd of those seeking a hot, delicious breakfast.
The fundraiser, however, is a popular one for the area. The annual fundraiser got its start years ago by owners of the Pineville Grill after firefighters saved the structure from completely burning down. In appreciation, owners hosted the breakfast as a fundraiser for the fire department.
When the grill closed last year, officials decided to continue the fundraiser at the Pineville Community Center.
On Monday, Pineville fire chief Ryan Drake said the department raised $2,882 after expenses. Funds will aid with the purchase of new equipment and with operating costs.
General News on 04/19/2018