McDONALD — An annual tradition was able to be saved at the last minute as community members stepped up to host the pancake breakfast at the 92nd annual firefighters festival, which ended Saturday.

The fire department has hosted the free breakfast every summer and it often draws more than 300 people, but this year, a lack of funds and not enough people to run it almost canceled the breakfast.

Bob Zajack Jr., an alumni firefighter, and Todd Stitt, a firefighter, said the festival marked its 92nd year and has always included a pancake breakfast.

Stitt said Councilman Kyle Joynes, who is council liaison to the festival committee, contacted him and former firefighter Bob Zajack Jr. about what could be done to have the breakfast.

“We started a small committee and talked about what we could do. Within 12 hours, we had a meeting,” Stitt said.

Zajack said within 24 hours, a plan was in place to purchase supplies and get everything together for the breakfast.

“When people first heard it was not going to be held, they got upset. The Stitt, Joynes and Zajack families and others came together to hold the event,” Zajack said.

Soon, financial donations and supplies were provided from the families and community members to host the breakfast, which is a three-hour event featuring pancakes, sausage and drinks.

Stitt and Zajack said the breakfast brings the community together to see one another. Stitt said many former residents come back to the village this time of year.

Zajack said as many as 600 pancakes and more than 200 sausages are made. He said at one time, there were games for children after the breakfast, but with less personnel that was discontinued.

“We have discussed possibly next year or the year after bringing the games back,” Zajack said.

Stitt said the community support is what made the breakfast possible with plans to keep it going.

Also helping at the breakfast were members of the McDonald High School National Honor Society and track team. The NHS students earned community service hours by helping.

“McDonald has its traditions, and events like this are very important. This breakfast has always been special to people on a Saturday morning in the summer. People can come here and get a free breakfast and see one another,” Joynes said,

Robert Zajack Sr., a former village mayor, said when word first got out in early June there was not going to be a pancake breakfast, people were upset that the tradition was not going to continue.

“I know many people were disappointed when they heard this. They wanted to do something and offered to help however they could,” Zajack said.

“I flipped pancakes for 30 years. We all enjoyed getting together and providing the community a free breakfast.” Zajack said.

He also said music was provided, with Lou Ronghi, former police chief, providing songs this year.

Resident Pam Streb said she likes the event because it allows her and her family to catch up with neighbors and others from the village.

“It’s nice to be able to spend time with family and friends. It’s a fun tradition and I am glad it is staying,” Streb said.