International Pancake Day Hall of Fame

Every Shrove Tuesday since 1950

Pancake Day is always on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Some people refer to it as “Fat Tuesday.”

International Tradition…

Liberal has held a friendly competition with Olney, England over 70 years. International Pancake Day, A tradition since 1950, is always on Strove (Fat Tuesday). The women of Liberal and Olney square off in a fun, fast-paced race to the finish line carrying skillets with pancakes inside. The International Pancake Day Hall of Fame sits right on the finish line of the race and offers visitors a glimpse of the rich history of the event.

The Sweet Story Behind International Pancake Day!

Every year on Shrove Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, often called “Fat Tuesday”—a unique tradition unfolds! The origins of Pancake Day stretch back to Old England, where housewives would heed the church bell’s call to be “shriven” of their sins.

Legend has it, in 1445, a busy housewife in Olney, England, was mid-pancake when the shriving bell rang. Not wanting to waste her delicious creation, she famously dashed to church, still clutching her griddle and the pancake!

From Olney to Liberal: A Global Tradition

Fast forward to 1950, when the spirit of friendly competition sparked an international phenomenon! R.J. Leete of the Liberal Jaycees issued a playful challenge to Reverend Ronald Collins, Vicar of Olney, England. Their idea? A transatlantic race to see which town’s women could sprint the 415-yard course the fastest.

Today, the International Race remains a beloved spectacle, run simultaneously at 11:55 a.m. in both communities. It’s a truly unique event, open exclusively to adult women performing “housewifely” duties, who still honor tradition by wearing a skirt, headscarf, and apron. And yes, they must run while carrying a skillet and pancake, flipping it at both the start and finish lines to prove it’s still there!

It’s a testament to history, community, and a whole lot of fun. Come experience this incredible tradition!

This one of a kind festival starts with, of course, a pancake breakfast, followed by children’s, and men’s race before the main event. A Shriving Service, live web chat with England and a parade round out the days happenings..

Saturday

Pancake Chase 5K Run

Eating & Flipping Contests

Monday

Grand Marshall’s Reception

Tuesday

Pancake Breakfast

Breakfast Program

Youth Races

Mascot Race

Men’s Pacer Race

International Pancake Day Race

Shriving Service

Live Video Conference Call with Olney England

Pancake Day Parade

The International Pancake Day Hall of Fame

What began as a dream in the late 1900s officially became a reality in 2004-2005: the International Pancake Day Hall of Fame! This vibrant space is a living tribute, constantly evolving with exciting improvements on the drawing board. It proudly houses a rich collection of Pancake Day memorabilia, stretching all the way back to the very first race in 1950 right up to today’s events.

More than just a museum, this building serves as the Corporate Headquarters for International Pancake Day of Liberal, Inc., transforming into “command central” for our annual event every Shrove Tuesday.

Our mission is clear: to preserve a vital part of Liberal’s 66+ year history and joyfully share it with both our local and regional communities. We’re also dedicated to developing a versatile facility that can be enjoyed by civic and community groups for gatherings, and serve as an engaging educational venue for our elementary school students.

Come experience the legacy and future of Pancake Day!

Step into the Sweet History of International Pancake Day! Located right at the finish line of the legendary International Race at 318 N. Lincoln, the International Pancake Day Hall of Fame invites you to relive decades of this unique tradition!

On the ground floor, browse captivating displays of past event memorabilia and cherished gifts from our sister city, Olney, England. You can even snag official Pancake Day merchandise to take a piece of the excitement home!

Head upstairs to the second floor where you can get an insider’s view, watching thrilling videos of past races and flipping through historical scrapbooks compiled over the years.

While not always open, your personal journey through Pancake Day history awaits! Call the Hall of Fame at 620-624-6423 to arrange your special tour or meeting. Come feel the spirit of the race!