Flipping for a Cause: 69th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Day Serves Up Smiles and Support for Kids

The smell of sizzling sausage and fresh pancakes filled the air at Warren County High School as the Kiwanis Club of Front Royal hosted its 69th Annual Pancake Day on Saturday, December 6, 2025. From 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers flipped thousands of flapjacks, poured coffee, and served up plenty of smiles — all for a good cause.

Kiwanis President Terry Leckie and Santa Claus greet guests in line at the 69th Annual Pancake Day at Warren County High School.

“We’re here to serve pancakes, sausage, milk, and even buckwheat pancakes — all you can eat for just $9,” said Terry Leckie, president of the Front Royal Kiwanis Club, as he stood proudly next to Santa Claus during the morning rush. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and everything we raise goes right back into the community — especially for kids.”

As the kitchen crew worked behind the scenes, including Bill Powers on the griddle, guests moved through the cafeteria line with plates piled high. “We start ‘em here, flip ‘em there — and keep it moving,” joked Powers as he handed off a stack of pancakes to a hungry guest.

Visitors are welcomed at the door by Scott Bradley of The River 95.3, broadcasting live from Pancake Day at Warren County High School.

The Kiwanis Club uses the event to raise funds for scholarships for local high school seniors and to support youth programs across the community. “We support Builders Clubs in the middle schools, K-Kids in elementary schools, and Key Club at the high school level,” Leckie explained. “We’re part of a global network of volunteers focused on changing the world — one child, one community at a time.”

Of course, no holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself, who has been making rounds in his historical costumes.

“This outfit is based on a Thomas Nast illustration of Santa Claus during the Civil War,” said Santa, dressed in a Civil War-era coat. “He drew me in this very suit, handing out gifts to Union soldiers outside Fredericksburg in 1862.”

Santa shared that he will be making another appearance next Friday at the historic Brentsville Courthouse in Prince William County, this time in his World War II uniform — part of a tradition honoring “old clients” and keeping alive the history of Santa’s many styles.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus, dressed in a vibrant red-and-white dress inspired by the classic film White Christmas, was spreading her own cheer. “If you’ve seen Rosemary Clooney in that movie, this dress may look familiar,” she said. “Next week, I’ll be back in the traditional red with white fur — to match Santa.”

Three-year-old Sylvia Wild carefully tells her Christmas list to Santa during Pancake Day at Warren County High School.

Santa shared a sweet moment about a recent request from a young visitor. “One little girl didn’t cry — she walked up and asked for an elephant piggy bank,” he laughed. “Not a piggy bank. An elephant-y bank!”

As laughter and music echoed through the cafeteria, families and friends shared breakfast and caught up with familiar faces. The line moved steadily as people came and went throughout the morning, with many noting that Pancake Day is a can’t-miss tradition.

Mrs. Claus and Santa share a festive moment with guests at Pancake Day at Warren County High School, spreading holiday cheer.

Mrs. Claus smiles as Santa gives out his signature “Ho! Ho! Ho!” to delighted guests at Pancake Day.

“This event is about so much more than pancakes,” said one volunteer. “It’s about community — coming together, supporting kids, and kicking off the holiday season with joy.”

If you missed the festivities, the Kiwanis Club encourages you to mark your calendar for next year—and to consider supporting their mission year-round.

As Santa reminded everyone with a hearty laugh before heading back into the crowd: “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Pancake Day!”