Fat Tuesday with a flourish is coming to downtown Vicksburg February 21 in the form of an all-you-can-eat pancake dinner at the United Methodist Church.
“Many people are still feeling lonely and isolated,” said Pastor Greg Culver. “Covid has had a negative effect on folks being together. VUMC is uniquely situated in the center of town.
“A place for people to gather is what we can offer. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to come and enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes. ‘Fat Tuesday’ is an ideal time for community fellowship.”
The flourish? It’s visual. The “Fat Tuesday Flippin’ Pancake Supper” will be prepared from 5-7 p.m. by Clare-based Chris Cakes of Michigan. The company holds two Guinness world records: The most pancakes made in an hour and the highest pancake tossed and caught.
Fat Tuesday is as well known by its French translation: Mardi Gras. “It’s when many bakeries will sell those fattening Poliish paczkis which many regret the next day,” Pastor Culver said. “In today’s culture, Fat Tuesday has basically become a day of excess (food or otherwise) before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of austerity during which the Christian faithful prepare their hearts and minds for glorious Easter and the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection from the dead.
“What we would most like to happen on Fat Tuesday is for the entire community, Christian or otherwise, to come together, eat, and enjoy one another’s company,” Culver said. “Even if you don’t necessary do the Lent thing or believe in the resurrection, you’re still going to be hungry! There will be no preaching! Just eating! Just being together! All are welcome!”
The supper will be held in the church’s Family Life Center 217 S. Main St. Donations will be gratefully accepted, the pastor said.
