BOISE - It seems just about everything has its own “day” – trees, groundhogs – even pancakes.

To celebrate “National Pancake Day,” The International House of (what else) Pancakes hopes you’ll flip for free flapjacks.

The restaurant chain’s Boise outlets will offer up a free “short stack” – a trio of the sweet treats – for free.  IHOP will be serving the free food today until 10 p.m.  The event is also a fundraiser for St. Luke’s    Children’s Hospital – and donations will be accepted throughout the day.

St. Luke’s tells us the English have served up pancakes on the last day before Lent for centuries.  They say the tradition started in order to use up the reaming supply of milk, eggs and butter before the 40 day fasting period began.

This is the second year for the IHOP event – with donations going to the Children’s Miracle Network.  St. Luke’s is a charter member of the organization, dedicated to helping fund children’s medical services nationwide.

IHOP has three local locations – Federal Way near Fred Meyer, Fairview near Wal-Mart in Meridian, and on Emerald by the Boise Towne Square Mall.