As the snow melted Saturday morning, so did the butter on thousands of golden pancakes at Clanton First United Methodist’s 52nd Annual Pancake Day.

By noon, volunteers had served more than 1,100 people, the brunt of which came between 8:45 and 10:30. Turnout was slightly down from last year’s record crowd of 1,300-plus, but no one left disappointed … or hungry.

“People were a little leery about getting out early. They came late,” said Dan Nolen of the United Methodist Men. “It was still a great day in spite of the weather.”

Pancake Day is held on the second Saturday of February each year. It is a fundraiser organized by the United Methodist Men. All proceeds go toward charity and mission work.

Plates consist of about three pancakes and two sausage patties, plus all the seconds (or thirds) you can handle.

Because of the day’s proximity to Valentine’s Day, many couples make the trip each year. Or, maybe they just like to eat pancakes.

“We’ve been married for 35 years, and we’ve been eating pancakes every year,” said Renee Powers of Clanton, who attended with her husband, Tom. “You could call it a Valentine’s tradition.”

For those who missed out on Pancake Day, several other churches and groups are planning similar fundraisers later this month. For more information on upcoming events, see the Clanton Advertiser’s Community Calendar.