By Chloe Law
Staff Writer
On April 20, the city of San Gabriel hosted its 75th annual ‘Egg’straordinary Spring Celebration at Smith Park at 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sponsored by the San Gabriel Kiwanis Club and the Community Services Department, the event is traditionally held the saturday before Easter. The ‘Egg’straordinary Spring Celebration features a variety of spring-time activities that are aimed to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
The spring celebration is famously known for the Pancake Breakfast portion of the event. Attendees are able to purchase a breakfast meal that includes pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk for $5. All pancakes are made fresh and on site by members of Kiwanis and or the Community Services Department.
“Sometimes the event is just referred to as the San Gabriel Pancake Breakfast because it’s such a big part of the entire event,” stated Foltyn. “It wouldn’t be the same without the pancakes.”
The pancakes are also used for the Pancake Races, a contest in which participants are able to compete in a race while holding a pancake turner or spatula with a pancake on top. The objective of the race is to cross the finish line with the pancake intact.
Children and teenagers ranging from seven to 16 years old as well as adults were required to bring their own pancake turner/spatula to participate.
Events held in honor of Easter were also arranged for the celebration such as an egg hunt. All youth able to hunt on their own were required to hunt in their appropriate age category without parental assistance.
The egg hunt was divided into different areas based on age. Participants under the age of 12 were asked to bring their own basket for the egg hunt.
Visitors were also able to meet Mr. Bunny and participate in coloring contests and crafts.
Amongst the number of people present, members of local high school organizations such as Gabrielino High School service club Key Club was also in attendance as they helped organize and manage the event. Volunteers were positioned at multiple stations throughout the event and helped serve pancakes.
“Volunteering for the pancake breakfast was a really great experience, especially when you see the turnout and how much fun everyone seems to be having,” stated junior Ethan Lam.