ARLINGTON — Haller Park was packed with locals enjoying warm weather and warm pancakes on the morning of July 4, as members of the Arlington Heights Firefighters Association held their 30th annual pancake feed fundraiser.

The Arlington Heights Firefighters Association ordinarily serves roughly 1,000-1,200 pancake breakfasts every year, although the totals for this year were not tallied as of press time. In 2012, they served 1,050 breakfasts and raised $5,500.

Firefighters and volunteer pancake cooks wore shirts that proclaimed their love for hot cakes as Fourth of July celebrations began at Haller Park, with pancakes, eggs, sausage and strawberries — each meal only $5.

“This is a good way to get into the community and raise funds,” said firefighter John Rainey, who has served up flapjacks for the past three years. “Plus, it’s a lot of fun. So many people turn out every year. I think we have about the same amount of customers as in previous years, but we rebuilt the pancake trailer this year, so we can keep up a lot better.”

The trailer was completely rebuilt to include an outside griddle station for cooks, which also helps keep the area well ventilated.

The pancake breakfast is the association’s main fundraiser for the year and they use the profits to support local families with meals and presents during the holidays. They also use the funds to buy supplies that the fire department may need throughout the year.

For more information on the Arlington Heights Firefighters Association, visit www.firedistrict21.com.