63rd Annual Fisherman’s Breakfast kicks-off with surprisingly good weather

The seasoned Fisherman’s Breakfast goers know there are several tricks to remember: get there early, get there early, and whatever you do – just get there early.

On Friday morning, the first in line snagged their spot by four o’clock. By the time the flapjacks first made their way onto empty plates at six o’clock, the line was already stretched down the side of the grassy pavilion and across the bridge.

Although it’s not rare to see a line of people before the food hits the grill, this year’s event had the unusual opportunity of seeing sunny skies and beautiful weather.

Although the rainy spring weather never stopped people in the past, Friday’s perfect forecast is expected to draw-out even more people than before.

The Greater St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce has been putting on this event since it first started back in 1955, growing it into one of the community’s largest events of the year.

This year, event co-chairman Brett Mackert said they’re expecting between four and five thousand hungry bellies to come through the line.

“Around the corner, we call it!” Mackert joked. “This first started as a way to get people to stop in St. Anthony as they were on their way to go fishing in Island Park and eventually it’s grown into what we see today.”

In case you’re wondering, it takes 300 gallons of pancake mix to feed that many people. And yes, there’s a vat working to make sure that happens.

While some are there just to enjoy a free breakfast before they jet-off to work for the day, others use this as an opportunity to see old friends (or enemies; I’m not judging) and catch-up over some hotcakes and sausage.

The event kicks-off fishing season starting this Memorial Day weekend, and Mackert, who also works for the Freemont County Search and Rescue crew, wants to remind everyone to stay safe.

“Just make sure when you’re recreating out in the backcountry this weekend, you’re careful and you heed the warnings the water is providing,” Mackert said.

The event ends at one o’clock in the afternoon.