Flapjacks Fly at 52nd Annual Pancake Festival

The flapjacks were flying at on Saturday during the 52nd Annual Pancake Festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Bethel-St. Clair.

"It's delicious," attendee Bobbie Hartman said. "And it goes for a good cause."

In 1954, the club first introduced the Pancake Festival as its major fundraiser to help local charities. Fifty-two years later, it has grown into a 3,000-guest event, raising more than $20,000 for local charities.

The club expected to raise the same amount of money this year. The funds will benefit Prime Time Adult Care, Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Southwinds, Boy Scout Troop 366, Wesley Spectrum Services, Meals on Wheels, South Hills YMCA - Camp AIM and the South Hills Interfaith Ministry.

"I had no idea Rotary was involved in so many charities," attendee Cathy Leco said. "It's great."

The festival was an all-day affair. Hungry folks started streaming in at 8 a.m. and the flapjacks didn't stop flipping until 7 p.m. Organizers saw the most people around 11 a.m.; the line wrapped around the cafeteria, up the stairs and through the lobby. The quality food and warm atmosphere keep families coming back year after year.

"A local businessman sells us tickets every year," Kathy Lach said. " We like to support the Rotary."

"We've been here for 20-something years," Angie Fortunato said.

And 16-year-old Zack Rusch was spending his 16th year at the Pancake Festival on Saturday. 

The Rotary Club of Bethel-St. Clair is the first of the three Rotary Clubs now serving the Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair communities. The group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the . If you are interested in becoming a member, more information can be found on their website here.