Ponderosa 4-H Club celebrates 70th annual Fourth of July breakfast

LEAVENWORTH — Ponderosa 4-H Club served up giant pancakes for the community over the Fourth of July holiday, continuing a 70-year club tradition.

“It is like, the biggest community reunion ever…It's the only thing that, as far as I know, that does happen on the Fourth of July in town, and I think maybe the only event with that kind of longevity in the upper valley,” said Ponderosa 4-H Club Leader Laura Reichlin.

Throughout the morning, Reichlin honored long-time attendees, some of whom have been coming to the breakfast for over 60 years. Parents and volunteers served up pancakes, sausage and eggs to supportive community members in Lions Club Park during the 70th annual Chuckwagon Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. Club members sold tickets, waved signs, refilled drinks, and cleaned up tables. 

“Through 4-H, these kids are not just getting to have a tribe of other kids with horses and an opportunity to ride together and learn together…but they're also getting that youth development aspect as well. What I love about 4-H is that it’s youth led, so the clubs are run by the members,” said Reichlin.

The Ponderosa 4-H Club members hold officer positions, such as president or treasurer, learning Robert’s Rules of Order, recordkeeping, and managing a budget. They even vote on how they will use the money from the fundraiser.

“Our kids and their parents are able to join 4-H for free, and the kids will vote on this every year – that they will use their budget to cover their enrollment for 4-H for the year,” said Reichlin.

While working with horses can teach kids empathy, tenacity, and teamwork, the cost of care can add up. The fundraiser provides an opportunity for the members to receive a 4-H education without the burden of additional costs, said Reichlin. The money raised at the pancake breakfast will also go towards performances, a two-day clinic, and county fair participation.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media