By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Harold Schmeidler wasn’t the first one through the doors this year, but he was in line by 7 a.m. and soon enjoying his pancakes at the annual Hays Lions Club Sausage and Pancake Feed at the National Guard Armory, Second and Main.
“I don’t think Harold has ever missed one of our breakfasts,” said Lions Club member Jim Huenergarde.
“I suppose I’ve seen ‘The Pancake Man’ at least 15 years,” Schmeidler said in between bites of pancakes slathered in syrup, with sausage to the side.
“The Pancake Man” is Jim Kupar, Council Bluffs, Iowa, who has worked with the Hays Lions Club for many years. Kupar brings the fresh ingredients with him, mixes the pancake batter on site, and starts flippin’ flapjacks, literally.
Tuesday morning, Schmeidler got his breakfast for free, as a “thank-you” from the Lions for his many years of financial support.
Schmeidler enjoyed it along with orange juice and coffee.
“I’ll be drinking coffee all day,” he said.
Schmeidler had already watered his cattle and once he finished eating, joined by his son Kevin Schmeidler and a couple nephews, the elder Schmeidler would head back to feed his cattle on his farm north of Walker.
“Eighty-eight years old and still actively farming,” Keven said of his father with a smile.
The Hays Lions Club Standlee Dalton Sausage and Pancake Feed and Broom Sale continues until 1 p.m. and will resume for supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4.75 for children younger than 10.
Proceeds support 4-H, Boy Scouts, sight conservation and glasses for children, Dan Rupp Park and other community projects.