Many people are familiar with Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday celebrations on the day before Lent begins. But in Liberal, Kansas, the day before Lent means just one thing — it's Pancake Day!
We were proud to sponsor the 2022 International Pancake Day, a time-honored tradition that has spanned the Atlantic Ocean to the town of Olney, England. Since 1950, residents of Liberal and Olney gather in a friendly race, as they carry a frying pan 415 yards down the streets of town flipping pancakes. It is still the only race of its kind on the planet.
In Olney, England, the Pancake Race tradition dates back nearly 600 years to 1445. A woman was engrossed in making pancakes to use up her cooking fats before Lent. When she heard the church bells ring, she grabbed her head scarf and ran 415 yards to the church, frying pan and pancake in hand. In later years, neighbors joined the tradition, and it became a race to see who could reach the church first. Today, the race has expanded into an all-day festival to celebrate pancakes.
Support Specialist Elyse posed for a picture with Festival Chairman Gary Classen before helping make the international phone call to compare race times with Olney, England. Liberal’s Whitney Hay won the Pancake Rase with a time of 1:07.54 and Onleny came in close behind at 1:10.83.
We partner with our communities and customers, providing the kind of energy that fuels those areas and the lives of those we serve. Feel free to share the stories and photos. Make sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Positive Energy
-
When it comes to creating quality of place, no one rolls up their sleeves and comes together to make things happen like rural Midwest communities. In south central Nebraska, we are seeing that in numerous locations and thanks in part to the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, our Sutton area team… -
For nearly 20 years, young scientists in Nebraska have had the opportunity to have fun with science through SCORE, which stands for Science Camps Offer Rewarding Experiences. The annual event draws hundreds of students from Imperial, Nebraska, and the surrounding area. We support the campers by… -
Black Hills Energy Ambassadors Kathy and Audrey, along with Manager of Electric Operations Bo, recently attended a sponsor appreciation event for the Rapid Acceleration Robotics Team 4593 in Rapid City, South Dakota. The club is made up of high school students from Rapid City and Sturgis, South… -
A crew from our team in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, volunteered at the city’s annual Strawberry Days Parade in June. With significant decorating assistance from energy services representative Jessica and her family, who came from Rapid City, and Colorado Springs team member Amy, coordinator of the…