The International Pancake Day Race held each Shrove, or Fat Tuesday, between Liberal and Olney, England, is a 62-year tradition but the history of the event goes back to 1445. An Olney housewife, engrossed in making pancakes to use up cooking fats forbidden during lent, heard the church bells calling everyone to the shriving service. She grabbed her head scarf (required in church) and raced to the church, skillet and pancake in hand and still apron-clad. In the following years, neighbors got into the act and it became a race to see who could reach the church first and collect a "Kiss of Peace" from the verger (bell-ringer). The kiss is still the traditional prize in both races.

 

 

Visitors can walk (or run) the race course which starts on Kansas Avenue in front of Memorial Library and continues 415 yards to the front of the International Pancake Day Hall of Fame on Lincoln Street.

The International Hall of Fame allows visitors to see memorabilia from past years as well as a short film about the event. Open by appointment.  Call 620.655.1181 or 624.6423.

 

 

Liberal celebrates Pancake Day with four days of activities including eating, flipping and cooking contests, High Tea, Miss Liberal Pageant, Christian Artist Showcase and Talent Show. Pancake Day on Tuesday includes a breakfast, races, Shriving Service, live web chat and parade.