The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Oxford Kiwanis to cancel the syrupy tradition of its annual pancake day last April, but the organization is determined to bring back the event with all of its sticky goodness this year – even if it will be rescheduled and possibly reconfigured.

“Pancake Day is an important fundraiser for our club,” said President Jim Michael, “but thanks to generous donations from many of our sponsors and club members, we have continued to serve the community such as food drives for TOPSS (Talawanda Oxford Pantry Social Services), and grants to several community groups.”

The organization anticipates that most Americans will have had COVID-19 vaccinations this summer, so rather than hold the event in the spring, the pancakes will be served Saturday, Sept. 18 this year. 

The event will still be at Talawanda High School, but it may be a drive-thru rather than a dine-in operation, according to the Kiwanis’ announcement this week.

Mike Rudolph, event coordinator, said in a press release that “while decisions have not been made regarding the final format of the event, we can guarantee that it will offer a bounty of fun and food and a much-needed opportunity to come together as a community,”. 

Ticket sales will begin by mid-summer, and more details will be available by then, according to the press release. The Kiwanis hope to return to its traditional April pancake event in 2022.