The old saying, “They’re going faster than hotcakes” could be taken quite literally Saturday at Clanton First United Methodist’s annual Pancake Day fundraiser.

A record crowd of more than 1,300 lined up for a plateful of pancakes and sausage. It was the event’s 51st year, and the second consecutive year for a new attendance record.

“We had a super day,” Dan Nolen of the Methodist Men said. “I’ve always prayed for a cloudy, damp day. That’s a good day to eat pancakes.”

When things got rolling, the line extended past the doorway for more than two hours. There was enough food to serve everybody with some left over.

Nolen thanked everyone who participated, especially the church’s youth.

“Our youth knocked on doors and sold over $300 worth of tickets,” he said. “They also helped serve and clean up Saturday. They did a little bit of everything.”

The cooks started as early as midnight because it takes a while to cook more than 300 pounds of sausage. By 5 a.m., they had the sausage ready and stored in warmers. At 5:30, they were ready to start pouring and flipping those golden pancakes.

“We would like to thank the entire community for the turnout,” Nolen said. “It was the best day we ever had.”

All the proceeds go toward various mission projects sponsored by the Methodist Men, both local and foreign.