Shrove Tuesday Celebration

In celebration of Shrove Tuesday, the McCleary Civic Renewal Council is hosting a Shrove Day Pancake Race. Shrove Tuesday is the day in February or March immediately preceding Ash Wednesday. Some countries celebrate the day by eating pancakes, which is why the day is also known as Pancake Day. In the United Kingdom, pancake races are held in villages and towns. The tradition originated in 1445 when a housewife from Buckinghamshire was making pancakes and forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced to the church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake, tossing the pancake all the way to prevent it from burning.

Our Shrove Day Pancake Race features several dash categories: Competitive Dash, Kid Dash(es), and new this year - the Business/Organization Dash. We're adding a competitive edge this year and the company or organization that brings out the most dashers will win a prize. You don't have to work for the business/organization and you don’t have to win the race. Every dasher counts! The business/organization with the most dashers wins a prize.

The registration fee enables you to participate in one or all these dashes. On race day, when you pick up your bib, you can specify which dash you will participate in and which business/organization your are racing for. 

• If you register by February 4, you may purchase a commemorative T-shirt or hoodie. There will be a limited number of T-shirts and hoodies available on race day for purchase.
• Registration fee also includes admittance to the all-you-can-eat pancake feed that follows the dashes. 
• Parents, if you are planning to run/walk with your child, you will need to also register.
• Bring a frying pan. Pancakes will be provided. 
• Children 5 and under may race for free but parents will need to sign a waiver. 

Got a fashionable apron or fancy hat? Costumes are encouraged! Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and second-to-last place finishers for each dash, best costume, and the company/organization with the most dashers.

Packet Pickup/Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the VFW, which is located at 158 N Summit Rd. Dashes begin at 9:00 a.m. Although the dashes will be untimed, there will be a timing clock on site so participants can view their race times. A pancake feed will follow the race.

Race route: Start line will be at the VFW, and runners will run to City Hall and back. Course length is just over a quarter of a mile or roughly 1,400 feet. Strollers and dogs on leashes are not allowed on the course.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/mcclearyevents/.