While the Stampede is known for cowboy hats, corndogs and late-night revelry, few consider the 10-day party complete without paying homage to a flat favourite — the humble flapjack.
Some even go on a pancake breakfast tour, hitting as many free feedings as possible, said Lisa Gorchinski, the Stampede’s marketing manager.
“There are people out there who make it their priority to see how many free flapjack breakfasts they can get to,” she said. “It’s very organic and rooted in western hospitality.”
Back in 2008, the Stampede decided to make it easier for pancake connoisseurs to make the breakfast rounds, launching www.flapjackfinder.com, a one-stop guide for the hungry cowpoke.
This year, the site lists148 breakfasts, ranging from Stampede Caravan shows, political meet-and-greets and community bashes that all focus on the same iconic offering griddle grub.
Yes, the pancake.
The tradition, unique to Alberta, traces its roots back to a chuckwagon driver named Jack Morton, who in 1923 parked in the middle of downtown Calgary, turned on his grill, whipped out a spatula and started serving any and all. “It was truly started by a cowboy and that tradition kept on,” Gorchinski said.
The website has picked up steam since it launched, fielding 13,000 views last year.
Hoping to better the site’s batter average, Gorchinski said it has expanded to Facebook and Twitter as well as an iPhone app that will allow pancake fans to sate their craving.
She added the site’s popularity continues to grow with as many as 10 new breakfasts being listed every year.
shawn.logan@sunmedia.ca
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