Hundreds Attend Basking Ridge Fire Co.'s Pancake Breakfast

The Basking Ridge Fire Company and First Aid Squad's annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast may have become one of nearby residents' favorite place to eat out on a Sunday morning when they get the chance.

Dora Phillips of Bernardsville, invited by her friend Muriel Anderson of Basking Ridge to this Sunday's breakfast at the firehouse on Washington Avenue, said she wishes the breakfast could be held twice a year.

Either way, Phillips said she wanted to support the fire company and first aid squad members who give of their time. And, also, "The food is fantastic, and the coffee is delicious."

"I tell people to come," Anderson said. By the looks of it, the number of repeat customers may be growing since the fire company a handful of years ago started up a popular tradition that had lapsed.

While twice a year might be tough for the all-volunteer organization, especially since the firefighters and Emergency Medical Services-trained members also have fundraising activities in the fall, this past Sunday's breakfast was an undisputed success. All in all, the event involved about 500 local people.

Jeanette Watt, fundraising co-chair, later said that 459 breakfast lovers had purchased tickets to enjoy a selection of pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee, milk and orange juice — or all of the above.

"It's been non-stop," Watt said of the crowds that had not yet thinned out as of shortly before noon.

Breakfast was $7 for adults, $5 for children and senior citizens, with children under 3 free.

It also took about 40 volunteers to run what turned out to be a very busy day, lasting from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the company and rescue squad and others pitched in, including members of the Ridge High School Key Club.

Eight-year-old Sarah Renz was a very efficient waitress, volunteering her time along with other members of her family.

Other young volunteers, such as junior Emergency Medical Technician Kanya Shah, sold raffle tickets in a 50-50 raffle.

As previously, Mike Delgado, a longtime firefighter and former chief, manned the kitchen for hours, with help from his crew of cooks.

Along with fun and food, funds raised go for various expenses for the company as a whole, including firefighters and the first aid squad. Equipment maintenance, building maintenance, vehicle maintenance, gear purchases and training are some of the organization's costs supported by fundraising activities, Watt said.