Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 5/19/2022
SPRINGFIELD – After hosting a truncated gathering in August 2021, the Spirit of Springfield returned the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast to its normal operations on May 14.
Background on the Pancake Breakfast
The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast resembled an entirely different event when it debuted in 1976. According to the Spirit of Springfield’s website, the city hosted the celebration on Main Street as a way of honoring the country’s bicentennial. Springfield gathered for another breakfast event in 1986 to celebrate the city’s 350th birthday. This gathering spurred a newfound rivalry with Battle Creek, Michigan, which calls itself the “Cereal Capital.”
The two communities endured a battle of one-upmanship in the following years. Both communities indulged in the grand scale of the event, with Springfield serving up 27,067 servings on a 3,700-foot table in 1987. The tabled stretched through Main Street, Gridiron Street and Union Street. In response, Battle Creek implemented its own 3,700-foot table while distributing 30,413 servings. After Springfield questioned Battle Creek for not implementing tables in a straight line, the rivalry faded as Battle Creek stopped releasing its service numbers.
The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast incorporated different venues during its time. After nearly 20 years on Main Street, the event moved to the Eastfield Mall in 2005 and 2006. Soon after, the signature breakfast moved back to Main Street in 2007, where it continues its operations today.
Each year, pancake preparation utilizes roughly 3,450 pounds of butter, 800 pounds of eggs and 450 gallons of water. For sides and toppings, 450 gallons of maple syrup, 200 gallons of brewed coffee, 350 pounds of butter, 700 gallons of juice and 700 gallons of milk are served annually, according to the Spirit of Springfield website.
The 2022 Breakfast
Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt told Reminder Publishing that this year’s event marks a return to form. Last year, Matt said Spirit of Springfield was unable to distribute tickets to schools, which serves as the breakfast’s usual platform for marketing.
This year, Spirit of Springfield distributed roughly 7,500 tickets to local schools while also reassembling performances from the Springfield Science and Technology Band, Martin Luther King Charter School, Grisel’s School of Arts, En Motion Dance Theatre and Springfield Prep Charter School.
Exhibitors also lined the streets as the event’s tables stretched from Main Street, State Street and Bridge Street.
The 2022 World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast marked the 35th anniversary of the city-wide celebration. MGM Springfield President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Kelley served as the event’s honorary chair, welcoming residents back as the event returned to its traditional May time slot for the first time since 2019.