Franks, FFA Take Over Annual Fair Pancake Feed

Saturday at the Antelope County Fair can turn into a long day for some people. With animal shows in the morning, the animal auction in the evening and the demo derby to cap off the night; Saturday can really wear out a person.

That is what makes Sunday morning’s annual pancake feed popular because it is a good meal to start the day, already prepared and costs as much as a person wants to pay.

“The proceeds go to 4-H and the FFA,” Abigail Frank said. “It’s free for all 4-H and FFA members and a free will donation from everyone else. I’m a big supporter of 4-H. I was in 4-H and I work in 4-H as well. I love 4-H and we (Abigail and her husband Cody Frank) are big supporters of it. We believe in what they do, we come out and support it.”

Abigail and Cody took over the pancake feed this year from Tina and Jay Snider, who had been running the annual breakfast.

“We want to thank Jay and Tina Snider,” Abigail said. “They ran it for many years and we appreciate them passing it down to us. We heard Sniders wanted to pass it down to someone and we wanted to do it. It’s a good cause.”

The Franks wanted to give back to the agricultural community besides writing out a check or donating.

“It’s not just donating money, it is nice to come out and physically be out helping,” Abigail continued. “I like for kids to see my face associated with 4-H.”

Along with the Franks, the Neligh-Oakdale FFA and a few volunteers were at Riverside Park bright and early Sunday morning to help prepare the sausage and pancake breakfast.

Countless other sponsors and supporters donated time, money and resources to help make the pancake feed a success.

“We were kind of at the forefront of all it, but got a lot of supporters,” Cody said. “Farmer’s Pride donated, Seagate donated, the fire department was helping out with the pancake griddle and the FFA alumni helped out. It’s a good cause to come together and help the kids. It’s good to see a lot of businesses wanting to help out. A lot of ag businesses helped kick in some donations and different things for the event. It’s a nice group effort.”

Proceeds from the meal go to the Neligh-Oakdale FFA and local 4-H clubs. The Franks are hoping the FFA steps up and takes over the annual breakfast, but will still be there to help out.

“We wanted to help with the transition,” Cody said. “The FFA is going to help sponsor it going forward. It’s a good fundraiser for them, a good way to help out. It helps get them (FFA) involved in the community, meet people and grow support for the chapter.”