Fargo's odds stacking up for pancake feed record as event moves to dome

People will eat pancakes. A world record may fall. And one lucky couple may tie the knot - for batter or for worse.

Fargo's Kiwanis Club hopes that moving the 51st annual Pancake Karnival to the Fargodome on Feb. 14 will help break the world record of 34,818 pancakes served in an eight-hour period, set during last year's pancake feed at the Fargo Civic Center.

In a syrupy-sweet touch to the Valentine's Day event, if a couple agree to get married at the pancake feed, they'll receive a free tuxedo for the groom and free wedding bands, said event co-chairman Arday Ardayfio.

So far, there are no takers.

"We have some possibilities. There'll be a priest there already," he said, laughing. "I know, I know, it's kind of crazy, but it's going to be fun."

The move to the Fargodome should alleviate the long lines that have plagued past pancake feeds, he said.

"A lot of people didn't want to come to the event because of that," he said.

The dome's 80,000-square-foot floor more than quadruples the Civic Center space.

"So, that'll be more than enough for them to accomplish what they're trying to accomplish," dome General Manager Rob Sobolik said.

Last year, the Kiwanis Club and community set a Guinness World Record for the "World's Largest Pancake Feed." More than 300 volunteers served 34,818 pancakes to more than 10,000 people.

This year's attempt at the record will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The feed will last until 7 p.m.

Ardayfio said that, in addition to the larger space, other changes will put last year's record at risk:

• The number of serving stations will be up from two to three, and seating capacity will jump from 700 to 1,800.
• Organizers bought two new round grills that cook up to 720 pancakes per hour.

• Games Galore will have inflatable games on hand for children. Since its inception, the Pancake Karnival has raised more than $693,000 to benefit area youth groups, charitable organizations and community projects, Ardayfio said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528

If you go

• What: 51st annual Pancake Karnival
• When: Feb. 14
• Where: Fargodome
• Tickets: Can be purchased in advance for $4.50 for adults and $2.50 for children 10 and under, or at the door for $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Parking will be free. 
• Online: www.fargokiwanis.com