Passavant’s Pancakes and St. John’s Mardi Gras Magic Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 Purple, gold, green, and a whole lot of food.That description captured the scene at St. John Community and Passavant Community for their Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday (whatever name you prefer) celebrations. St. John Community, employees turned their office into a mini French Quarter. One table overflowed with homemade gumbo and jambalaya. Another featured chicken tenders, deviled eggs, and an array of dips. Nearby, a dessert table stole the spotlight with cookies, a bananas foster cake, and the unmistakable King Cake, complete with the tiny baby waiting to pass along a little luck. Many of the meals and desserts were homemade by various St. John team members. Coworkers gathered not just to eat, but to connect, relax, and celebrate together. Over at Passavant Community, residents followed the smell of syrup straight to their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast. Hot pancakes, melting butter, sausage, and every topping you could imagine were ready and waiting. Residents built their perfect plates, and second and third helpings were strongly encouraged. Many took the time to pose and smile beneath the colorful Mardi Gras balloon banner, which quickly became everyone’s favorite photo spot. On the calendar, it may have read Tuesday, but every year, it is a day worth circling at Lutheran SeniorLife.