The final day of Steel Days is packed with fun; what better way to start the final day of celebrations than with the annual Marching Band Breakfast fundraiser.

Pancakes bubble and hash browns fry as residents of American Fork gather to support the American Fork High School marching band. All the proceeds from the breakfast go to the band’s various expenses.

Tickets for the event cost $5 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 3 to 11. Admission is free to those under the age of 2.

Dennis Jensen, Fresh Market store director, has been hosting the event for about 25 years. He started the tradition because he wanted to give back to the city and support the high school.

He originally partnered with the Lions Club. They helped with the breakfast for about six years; then the marching band took over not long after. The band has been involved since then.

“I’m really proud of this tradition because people start their mornings with us; they start their celebration,” Jensen said.

Every bit of the money goes to the marching band, Jensen said. He reaches out to vendors for additional donations, and Fresh Market donates about $2,500.

The first event fed about 400 people. Now, they feed anywhere from 2,200 to 2,500 people. It takes a small village of 70 people to host an event like this.

“The community is amazing, and it’s great to have so many people getting involved,” said Rob Shelton, city council member and Steel Days committee member. “Appreciation should be given to the volunteers because a lot of work goes into [Steel Days], and they spend time away from their families. This weeklong celebration couldn’t happen without them.”

The breakfast is heldfrom 6:30a.m. until 9:30 a.m. July 15 in the Fresh Market parking lot.