Downtown Optimist Club holds 74th Pancake Jubilee

MARION, Miss., - The Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian hosted the annual Pancake Jubilee Tuesday at the Hamasa Shrine Building in Marion. The primary fund-raiser is in its 74th year, but the event was held via drive-through due to COVID-19.

“Typically it’s Meridian’s Front Porch which is what we’ve been referred to as for the Pancake Jubilee. So to not be face-to-face with folks, shaking hands and catching up in-person is tough, but we’re still getting to see a few folks in the drive-through.”

Plates were filled with pancakes and sausage with the usual fixings for only $5. The club anticipated serving a total of 1,500 to 2,000 plates to support youth organizations in East Mississippi. The Care Lodge of Domestic Violence Shelter will be a recipient of the Pancake Jubilee.

“The proceeds benefit our children’s program at Care Lodge so a lot of things can happen from those proceeds whether it’s buying new technical gear to help them with distance learning or helping them increase their literacy.”

The Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian hosts several events throughout the year to make the jubilee a success. Hannah says COVID-19 made it difficult this time around, but that didn’t stop them.

“We're on 74 and we're knocking on the door of our 75th year. We were determined to make it happen. We’re very fortunate. It’s working out so far and we’re just glad to be here.”

Hannah says hopefully next year, the Pancake Jubilee will be back to normal and they will be back on the Meridian Front Porch again.