Hot Off the Griddle: OBFD Labor Day Pancake Breakfast
By Shoshanna McCollum
Summer’s end on Fire Island is always bittersweet, but a little comfort food can help smooth that transition back to mainland reality. That’s why the Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Department’s Labor Day Pancake Breakfast is always such a hit. It’s a modest event really. The fire trucks are rolled out of the garage and long row tables are set up in the firehouse with the bunker gear and ladders lined up against the walls. Families and groups of friends gather and socialize one last time to celebrate what has been an excellent summer.
There are pancakes cooked on an outdoor grill, along with sausage patties, as well as fresh fruit and plenty of syrup. Who can resist? Raffle prizes are also generously donated by the local businesses as a way of thanking the Fire Island patrons for their support. And this was the last chance to pick up a 2012 OBFD fundraising t-shirt; known for their artistic designs, some folks make a point of collecting one every year.
Of course there are always a few surprises. That fellow flipping cakes on the griddle was none other than Dr. David Seres, an Anesthesiologist at a top-ranking hospital in New York City. Thomas Nolter, the Deputy Mayor of Ocean Beach, served pancakes. Everyone pitches in, lends a hand and has a good time. Pancake Breakfasts may be held at volunteer fire departments in every corner of the country, but somehow on Fire Island they are perhaps just a little bit more special. See you all on “tumbleweed Tuesday!”
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- Little beauties in blue gloves serving fruit cups
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- Breakfast with bunker gear
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- Dr. Davis Seres doubles as a short-order cook
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- The Scharf family
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- Some of the raffle prizes
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- T-Shirts for sale
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- Filling out raffle tickets
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- Deputy Mayor Thomas Nolter serving pancakes
