By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

The United Methodist Men of Clanton First United Methodist Church is gearing up for its 60th annual Pancake Day fundraiser, scheduled this year for Feb. 10 from 5 a.m. to noon at the church.

“It’s a great source of fundraising for us, as well as a good time of fellowship for all of the Methodist Men to get together,” long-time member Dan Nolen of CFUMC said.

The cost for all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage is $5.

Takeout is also available.

While the fundraiser benefits the United Methodist Men, Pancake Day is accomplished each year through the efforts of men from various churches and denominations.

“You’ve got Baptists and Methodists, Episcopalians — you name it. [It is] just countywide,” Nolen said.

United Methodist Men is a national men’s program, which aims “to help men grow in Christ so others may know Christ,” and partners with local civic agencies for ministry outreach, according to clantonfumc.org.

Nolen said he has been involved in the church’s pancake day for about 50 years.

“I remember some of the old timers. The tickets were $1 then, and it went from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Nolen said. “Some of the little old ladies would eat pancakes twice … and I was always amazed.”

After 300 takeouts in 2017, Nolen said the cooks are expecting a hefty turnout for 2018.

Preparation begins early.

“We start work at midnight,” Nolen said. “So, we have 150 pounds of sausage to cook before daylight,” he laughed, adding that the group has 10 cases of pancake mix purchased for the event.

The evening prior to the event, the men set up and have a “dry run” practice with the pancakes to ensure the equipment is operable, Nolen said.

Griddles are greased and ready to go at 5 a.m.

“It’s pretty big, but we enjoy it,” Nolen said. “It’s good fun for everybody.”

CFUMC is located at 207 Eighth St. N in Clanton.

For more information about United Methodist Men, visit clantonfumc.org or call the CFUMC office at (205) 755-0490.