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Diana Williams was with her grandchildren, 2-year-old twins Cecil and Beni Torres, and Adriaan Torres, 4, at the Kiwanis Club of Ocala’s annual Pancake Day on Dec. 14, 2024, at Eighth Street Elementary School in Ocala. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

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Posted December 15, 2024 | By Andy Fillmore, [email protected]

The Kiwanis Club of Ocala’s annual Pancake Day event was held Dec. 14 at Eighth Street Elementary School in southeast Ocala. People of all ages enjoyed pancakes and sausage, along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, while supporting Camp Kiwanis and other youth-focused outreaches of the club.

Nick Navetta, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ocala board of trustees, said an estimated 1,000 people were served at the annual event, which is usually held the same day as the Ocala Christmas Parade and signals the start of the Christmas season for many. Navetta said Key Club members from several local high schools served as volunteers at the event.

Pancake Day supports Kiwanis outreaches including Camp Kiwanis Summer Camp for kids age 7-13 in the Ocala National Forest. Camp Kiwanis is operated in partnership with Marion County Public Schools and all camp staff members are MCPS employees, according to marionschools.net. The club also sponsors reading related youth programs and book giveaways.

Diana Williams had pancakes along with her grandchildren, 2-year-old twins Cecil and Beni Torres, Mo Torres, 7, and Adriaan Torres, 4. Williams, a 35-year member of the Ocala Kiwanis Club, called Pancake Day a local “tradition.”

Kiwanis Pancake Day has been held here for more than 60 years, according to club member Winston Needham.

Tom Eubanks, a custodian with the school, opened the cafeteria, cleaned and closed up after the event. Eubanks said he has worked at Pancake Day for 18 years.

“People come together for a good time and a good cause,” Eubanks said.

To learn more, go to FB.com/KiwanisClubOfOcala