On Sunday morning, the Wakeman Town Farm folks planned on 200 people for their fundraising pancake breakfast.
Okay, they hoped for 200 people.
Be careful what you wish for.
Starting early, crowds poured across the lawn. They were hungry for pancakes.
Mike Aitkenhead (left) addresses the overflow crowd at Wakeman Town Farm.
Hungry to say hi to Mike and Carrie Aitkenhead, the once and future farm stewards.
Hungry to experience the farm on a gorgeous fall morning.
John Hooper — owner of Christie’s Country Store just down the road apiece — had been cooking since 5 a.m. He’d hired extra staff.
His 1st batch — for 60 people — went quickly.
Then another. And another. And another.
The WTF’s runner flew back and forth. It was like the fish and loaves.
The Town Farm organizers loved it — but grew worried.
John never stopped cooking.
Finally — there is only so much pancake batter in the world — John ran out. The last people waiting in line said, well, “WTF.” They offered to let the Town Farm folks keep the money as a donation.
And then — another miracle! — John sent over the final pancakes.
Two of the 800 happy pancake breakfast eaters.
It was successful. It was incredible. It was a great tribute to the new group running Wakeman Town Farm; to the Aitkenheads; to everyone who believes in community agriculture.
And it never would have happened without John and Renee Hooper, who cooked, hired help, donated condiments, time and love.
Of course, there comes a time to pay the piper food provider.
That time came yesterday.
John had offered to cook up to 200 breakfasts free. The Town Farm group would cover anything over that, at cost.
Monday afternoon, John sent over his bill.
Uh-oh.
Are you ready?
It was…$0.
Zero. Nothing. Nada.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
His name is John Hooper.
And he lives just an apple’s toss away from Wakeman Town Farm, on Cross Highway.
No matter where you live in Westport, feel free to wander over.
And say, “Howdy, neighbor. Thanks!”
