Flapjacks and snowbirds

The El Centro Chamber of Commerce serves a free breakfast in January

Deep in southern California—just north of the Mexican border and west of Arizona—in the middle of January you will find a large gathering of snowbirds in El Centro, California. These human birds flock together to get away from the harsh winters of Canada, or the cold and wet of the Pacific Northwest, to gather and gabble over a free pancake breakfast.

The snowbirds line up 1,200 to 1,500 strong to eat pancakes and ham, sip orange juice and coffee, and trade road stories and travel journeys in large tents surrounded by vendors and vintage automobiles.

“This will be our 27th annual,” said Trish McNeece, director of programs for the El Centro Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

The free Snowbird Pancake Breakfast began as an idea to thank all the visitors that congregate in droves during the winter months to enjoy the warm climate that southern California offers. This annual breakfast is an outdoor event that will take place on January 14, 2012, from 8 to 10 a.m. More than 100 volunteers,  including the mayor, the Military Colour Guard and other dignitaries, start at the crack of dawn to flip pancakes, serve juice and personally thank each individual for visiting or temporarily living in El Centro.

Added to the mix are raffle prizes from local businesses and an antique car show. McNeece said there is a party atmosphere, with behind-the-grill fellowship between long-serving volunteers and participants meeting old friends while making new.