Pancake makers Sena Christopherson, Cheryl Chelmo, Bonnie and Steve Thomas, and Donna Chell posed for a photo before flipping flapjacks for Fat Tuesday Fun Night guests.  – Photo by Priscilla Bauer    

 

FALUN – The evening of Tuesday, March 4, was wet and windy, with a winter storm expected to arrive overnight. In the lower floor of Falun’s Trinity Lutheran Church, however, it was warm, bright and full with the sounds of merriment for their Fat Tuesday Celebration.

Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, (French for Fat Tuesday), Shrove Tuesday, or sometimes, Pancake Day, is traditionally a time for feasting and eating fatty foods that are not allowed during Lent, which starts the next day on Ash Wednesday.

Members of Trinity Lutheran Church celebrated with a meal of pancakes and sausage, with plenty of butter and syrup available. There were beverages like coffee and milk, and abundant cupcakes and cookies for dessert. Attendees wearing beads, masks and brightly colored clothes created a carnival-like atmosphere. There were numerous rounds of Bingo throughout the evening and a large selection of door prizes available to everyone who attended. The supportive group of attendees erupted into cheers every time anyone got a Bingo or had their name called for a prize. Everyone in attendance, young or old, seemed to be very much enjoying themselves. Not only was it an enjoyable way to prepare for Lent, it was a chance for the community, friends and neighbors to come together for fun, food and fellowship.