Art and pancakes — the two aren’t a usual combination, but they went hand in hand Tuesday night. As Little Friends School hosted their annual art show, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hosted a pancake dinner in celebration of Mardi Gras.

“It was so nice to have the art show and then walk across the street and eat pancakes as a family,” said Alison Dagostino, who had two young artists in the art show — Blu and Tanner. “I think it’s good for the children too because they were excited all day to show off their art and then of course eat pancakes.”

The Rev. David Powell said he looks forward to the Mardi Gras celebration every year and having Little Friends host their art show on the same night just makes it that more special.

“We always like to get the parents over and kind of capitalize on these two events going on in the same night,” he said.

Powell said the church recognizes Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” every year as a last celebration before Ash Wednesday. He explained that by eating large portions of pancakes and King’s Cake, residents can satisfy their sugary cravings before lent begins.

“Fat Tuesday represents a time when people would eat all of the fat and the really good stuff in their homes,” Powell said. “Traditionally Mardi Gras is known as Shrove Tuesday in the church.”

Allen Bearden, member of St. Paul’s and pancake maker for the event, said he was surprised by how many people came to the pancake supper after attending the art show.

“We loved seeing all the kids pile in here,” he said.

And the menu didn’t just consist of regular pancakes. Bearden said he, along with several other helpers, made blueberry pancakes, chocolate pancakes and even pancakes with sprinkles.

“We had a special ingredient we used for the plain pancakes,” Bearden said. “But that’s a secret.”

Over all, Bearden said it was a fun night and he was glad to be a part of it.

“We had a bunch of little ones running around getting pancakes, it was just a good time,” he said.