Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral, Anne Wentzel, is inviting everyone in the community to come along and be part of history.

“This is a long tradition across the world and the London pancake race is world renowned,” she said.

London’s race is watched by thousands of people who line the streets of the capital.

“Bathurst’s first race will begin at 12 noon on the lawns of All Saints’ Cathedral on Church Street,” Dean Wentzel said.

Runners representing six local businesses will be invited to toss pancakes as they run the short course. 

Dean Wentzel said mayor Gary Rush will open the event. 

She will then bless the runners and the pancakes.

The winner of the race will win a prize and two others from his or her firm will be offered a free pancake meal.

Afterwards, spectators are invited into the Walshaw Hall for a meal of savoury and sweet pancakes with a liquid refreshment for $8.

“Do come along and make history for Bathurst in its 200th year,” Dean Wentzel said. “Most of all enjoy the fun, the food and delights of the community in this event.”

Dean Wentzel said Shrove Tuesday originated in the Middle Ages when food items such as meat, fats, eggs, milk and fish were regarded as restricted during Lent. 

“To keep such food from being wasted, many families would have big feasts on Shrove Tuesday in order to consume those items which would inevitably become spoiled during the next 40 days,” she said.

“The English tradition of eating pancakes came about as a way to use as much milk, fats and eggs as possible before Ash Wednesday began. 

“In France, the consumption of all fats and fatty foods on this day coined the name Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras.”