Pass The Syrup: Seabrook Flips For Fat Tuesday

Movie stars may lie awake at tonight with visions of little golden statues they hope to take home this weekend, the residents of Seabrook Village already know who there winner is - just look for the golden skillet.

A bit of the Big Easy was bountiful at Seabrook on Tuesday as residents and staff celebrated Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday in grand fashion with a little competition to also honor National Pancake Day.

A room full of people, regaled in colorful beads and masks moved to the sounds of traditional Mardi Gras music as they watched 15 participants take part in the Seabrook Musical Pancake Competition – A Mardi Gras Flippin’ Good Time!

Ever heard of the children’s game musical chairs?  The premise of this original contest was that residents, and a few staffers, gathered in a circle holding skillets as one pancake was flipped from pan to pan while traditional Mardi Gras and Zydeco music was played.  When the music stopped, the participant with the pancake in their pan was out, until one lucky winner - Ruth Eckle - was left.

"We wanted to bring a little Bourbon Street here to Seabrook and celebrate Mardi Gras, pancakes and lots of fun," Seabrook Executive Director Art Sparks said.  "This unique event was a tremendous amount of pure excitement that culminated with a challenging contest to see who was the fastest pancake flipper in all the land."  

The term Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday, refers to the event of the Carnival celebration beginning on, or after, the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Many Christian cultures use this night of revelry as the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual of fasting for the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

At Seabrook the event was be hosted by the Mardi Gras "King," Gary Engelstad, who hosted a pancake trivia game and spoke about the history of Mardi Gras. Following the game, all enjoyed the time honored and customary King Cake – a Mardi Gras staple.