SNOWFLAKE — A 75-year-old Snowflake tradition, started by the Flake family, continued as residents gathered for the annual Ground “Hog” Breakfast. An event that began as a small family gathering and has grown into one of the town’s most enduring celebrations.
The tradition dates back to 1951, when Eugene Flake, the grandson of one of Snowflake’s founding fathers, prepared a hearty cowboy-style breakfast for family and neighbors on Ground “Hog” Day. The menu included Dutch-oven biscuits, sausage gravy, fried potatoes, and sausage patties.
It’s been said that Eugene Flake would joke with the kids about the “Hog,” saying he’d caught a groundhog and made it into patties.
In its early years, the event was held outdoors at sunrise, often in freezing winter temperatures. Flake hosted the breakfast for decades before his death on Dec. 19, 1983, at age 83, unaware that the tradition he started would be carried on by the community.
The Flake family tradition also gained national attention. An article on the Groundhog Day Breakfast appeared in the January/February 1996 issue of American Cowboy magazine. Written by Janet Webb Farnsworth, the feature included Eugene Flake’s original recipe for “Cowboy Dutch Oven Biscuits,” further cementing the breakfast’s place in Western and cowboy culture.
This year’s breakfast was held on Friday, Jan. 31, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., at the Snowflake High School cafeteria. The free community event was hosted by the Taylor and Snowflake Town Councils, with the time-honored traditional breakfast items such as biscuits and gravy, sausage, hash browns, and hot cocoa.
Today, the menu is much the same, with a few modern additions. You’ll also notice the red and blue aprons—the Town of Taylor wears red, while the Town of Snowflake wears blue.
Community members filled the cafeteria early in the morning, continuing a tradition that has brought Snowflake and Taylor together for generations.
“It was an honor to be involved in the Ground “Hog” Day Breakfast. This local tradition endures after 75 years, and spending time with those who exemplify real public service in rural Arizona reminds me why these small-town traditions matter so much. Events like this bring people together, strengthen community bonds, and reflect the spirit that continues to define Snowflake and Taylor,” said LD7 Representative Walt Blackman.
Now in its 75th year, the Snowflake Ground “Hog” Day Breakfast has evolved into a large-scale community gathering serving the better part of 1000 people. The Taylor-Snowflake Police Department, the Taylor-Snowflake Fire Department, and the Towns of Taylor and Snowflake joined forces to serve the community.
“The Ground “Hog” Breakfast celebration has been held for decades,” said Snowflake Mayor, Byron Lewis. “It is one of the elements that unite our communities. We are honored to serve alongside our council members from Taylor and to recognize the significant contributions of the police and fire personnel who cook and prepare the breakfast. One of our police lieutenants shared that this is his favorite holiday of the year because it allows them to interact and serve the public in a different capacity. We are grateful to all who attend and make this ongoing event the bedrock of our community. We hope to see you next year, at the same time, at the same place!”
“I think town traditions are just awesome! Snowflake’s Ground “Hog” Breakfast is a great tradition to be a part of,” said Shawn Palmer, Mayor of Taylor. “Its roots stem from a local family having a fun gathering for breakfast among neighbors. The town of Snowflake eventually took over the tradition, which now serves the better part of 1000 people. People start lining up a little before 6:00 AM, and the line stays strong until 8:00. Seeing people support this great local tradition and getting to visit with people each year is a lot of fun. What a neat tradition to be a part of!”
