ROTARY: A BRANFORD FESTIVAL TRADITION
Every Father's Day weekend in Branford, there are two certainties: the Branford Road Race will attract thousands of runners, and the Branford Rotary Club will make thousands of pancakes. The Rotary Food Tent at the Branford Festival, every Father's Day weekend, is a tradition dating more than 30 years. Its All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings offers pancakes and French toast, sausages, coffee, all for a just $7.50.
After noon, the Rotary club and dozens of hard-working Rotarians switch out spatulas for deep friers and lobster bibs, serving up lobster rolls, hamburgers and hot dogs, roast beef sandwiches and strawberry shortcake. It's a massive undertaking, with club members volunteering their time and effort several days before during and after the event, setting up tables, grills, lighting and more.
What's more, the Rotary also hosts the hugely popular Branford Rotary Used Book Sale on the Green during the festival. Thousands of hardback and paperback books from all genres, and in good condition, line the tables.
WHY DOES ROTARY DO THIS?
The Branford Festival serves as one of the primary fundraisers for Rotary, which in turn distributes funds to numerous local and area charities. When you visit the Rotary tent, you're getting more than a good book or a good meal. You're supporting causes like these:
- American Cancer Society
- The ALS Association
- BHS Model Congress
- Blackstone Library
- Branford Community TV
- Brian’s Hope
- Community Dining Room
- Connecticut Burn Foundation
- Eldridge Children’s Education Fund
- Feed Our Neighbors
- The Hole in the Wall Gang
- Make a Wish
- Branford Hospice
- Orchard House
- Read to Grow
- Special Olympics
- Uganda Wells Project
- Veterans Groups
- Visiting Nurses Association
So please visit us on Father's Day weekend. Look for the Rotary symbol, the big tent, and more pancake batter than should ever be collected in one place.
For more about The Branford Festival, click here.
