Kansas is Ready, Is England?

It's Fat Tuesday and everybody knows what that means.

PANCAKE RACES!

What you thought I was talking Mardi Gras?

nope, today is the Great Pancake race between Liberal Kansas and Olney England.

The story goes that in 1445, a housewife heard the church bells and realized she was late. She ran all the way to church with a skillet in hand with 1 pancake still in it.

In 1950, Liberal Kansas offered up a challenge, and every year since then, we have raced against each other.

The rules are simple

Those who are qualified to take part must be women of 18 years of age or over and either have lived in the town of Olney for at least 3 months immediately prior to the event or, if living away, have their permanent home in the town.

For the race they must wear the traditional costume of the housewife, including a skirt, apron and head covering, though they need not be married. At the start the Starter will order competitors: "Toss your pancakes - Are you ready?" and then give the starting signal. At the Finish the winner is required to toss her pancake before being declared the winner and being greeted with the Kiss of Peace the words "The peace of the Lord be always with you" spoken by the Vicar, and the traditional prize of a kiss from the Verger. All who finish the course are expected to attend the Shriving Service during which official Olney and Liberal prizes are presented. ~ The unofficial Olney Page

Olney Race Site

Liberal Race site

Now I am off to make some good ole pancakes. Go KANSAS!