July 4th – “Pancakes down!”
Given the circumstances, it felt like a disaster call. After waiting in a line that stretched through much of the plaza, a young man had dropped his plate of pancakes and sausages and spread the food across San Francisco Street.
Luckily, a crisis was averted: Kevin Southwick, a volunteer at the event, was just handing out another plate of food.
“Those are just pancakes,” Southwick said.
Southwick was an honorary “co-captain” at Pancakes on the Plaza, the revered Santa Fe tradition that brings thousands to the town square for a fundraiser breakfast on July 4, and has been handing out flapjacks since 7 a.m
A few more for an unlucky customer? You bet. The more the better. Literally.
As memories of the coronavirus pandemic begin to fade, Santa Fe continues to reconnect with old and cherished traditions: a morning pancake breakfast; Fireworks shows at night. Such was the case on Tuesday as thousands crowded downtown in bright sunshine that seemed to reflect the mood of the day. To that end, Southwick and others said Pancakes appeared to be busier in the Plaza than it had been in years past — even in the days before the pandemic.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Fe, the event celebrated its 46th year in 2023. And while old traditions remain—from pancake makers to water suppliers to orange juice pourers, local volunteers are the cornerstone of the scene—progress is being made. Digital ticketing has brought a 21st-century flair to pancakes.
Rotarian Vic Brenneisen, who has volunteered with Pancakes on the Plaza since 1985, said he was “thrilled” with how this year’s event went. He added that expanded sales drove traffic (and consumption).
“I’ve always called it the best community event in Santa Fe,” Brenneisen said. “There’s a lot of people I see once a year, and it’s here.”
The Rotary Club celebrates its centenary in 2024. To mark the occasion, he sponsors approximately $500,000 in grants to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum and YouthWorks.
The story goes on
The Children’s Museum showcased their new Van of Enchantment, purchased by the Rotary Club for $160,000. The van will travel through northern New Mexico to offer science and humanities activities for youth as well as fresh produce.
On the plaza lawn, Jim Coogan and Tim Kilkenny sat eating plates of pancakes with their families. Santa Fe locals say they have been regular visitors to the event for more than 30 years, in part because it remains a familiar, family place.
“People are happy and there’s always a positive atmosphere,” Kilkenny said.
Coogan bounced his seven-month-old grandson Sebastian on his lap, noting, “Part of the fun is waiting in line for pancakes for an hour.”
The good spirits extended to Lincoln Avenue, where 112 vintage cars of all types lined the street for the Santa Fe Vintage Car Club’s annual show. The group has co-organized the event with Pancakes on the Plaza since 1980.
Visitors and participants each donated $1 to vote for their favorites. The money went to the local boys’ and girls’ club and to the Santa Fe Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop events.
Stephanie Hubley, of Santa Fe, said she was there with her 7-year-old daughter Tina and friends to celebrate her birthday, which coincidentally falls on the 4th of July.
Hubley said celebrating Independence Day feels complicated given recent US Supreme Court rulings overturning precedents for LGBTQ+ protections and affirmative action, as well as last year’s ruling nullifying Roe v. Wade overruled.
Still, she said she’s excited about family events in Santa Fe and that friends and family are free to celebrate with her.
“Right now there are mixed feelings about celebrating the country,” she said. “But I’m trying to celebrate the promise and potential of our country … and my daughter likes pancakes.”
