National Pancake Day on February 5th; IHOP...

National Pancake Day isn't a national holiday so mail will still be delivered and banks will be open. Yet, the line outside of IHOP will be long as the restaurant chain will be offering up free pancakes during Tuesday's breakfast hours to celebrate the special day.

At IHOP the customers who are lucky to sit down and dine will receive one complimentary short stack order. The company expects the consumers, after having a bite of good food, will offer up a donation to a charity. Hoping to collect millions of dollars after giving away free food, the customers usually are excited to partake in the annual event. Helping Children's Miracle Network and other charities, the donations make a difference to local communities.

Over the past seven years IHOP has given away 14 million pancakes to consumers and each year the promotion grows. The one day outside of Christmas where it takes patience to get a table at the restaurant, it appears that National Pancake Day is a perfect way to start the morning. After eating the free food, it's obvious everyone does head to work as there hasn't been any possibility of declaring it a federal holiday, but it is nice to enjoy a plate of hotcakes

Almost every IHOP restaurant location in America is part of the promotion, but just in case diners can call the restaurant to confirm the participation. Or just drive by as patrons will be standing in line starting at seven in the morning to get free pancakes.