NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. New Smyrna Beach native Jim Humphrey, 75, enjoys pancakes and good conversation with Rick Newell, president of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, earlier today for the annual Pancakes in the Park fundraiser at Old Fort Park in New Smyrna Beach. The event drew 600 people for the 7-11 a.m. breakfast today, which featured a display of antique cars, a mini-yard and book sale and plenty of comaraderie. About $2,800 was raised after factoring in expenses for the historical society, Newell said.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Jim Humphrey, a fifth-generation New Smyrnan saw a great opportunity to bust the cops of his longtime friend, Rick Newell this morning at Old Fort Park.
Savoring the taste of a stack of piping hot pancakes, Humphrey was asked how they were, replying, "I had some doubts about them at first until I found out that Mr. Newell had nothing to do with the cooking."
Then after the ribbing, he added, "Excellent." Newell did just about everything, except the pancakes as he and a small army of volunteers catered to 600 people -- mostly families as part of annual Pancakes in the Park fundraiser, which generated $2,800 after expenses for the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, of which Newell is the president.
For $6 a head, visitors were treated to a short stack of pancakes with butter and syrup, plus sausage patties, coffee and orange juice. Newell said he was pleased with the turnout under beautiful Saturday morning skies.
"It's great to see everyone enjoying themselves," Newel said, including his wise-cracking friend, Humphrey who is also a longtime supporter of the historical endeavor.
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Sally Mackay was on hand to greet residents as well, noting of the pancakes: "Delicious."
Mackay was pleased with the turnout, saying it was a testament to the good will of the community and its togetherness.
"This is what this city is all about," the mayor said. "We live in separate homes, but we come together under the trees like today and talk to each other."