R.I. May Breakfast makes it special: clam cakes

April 27, 2008|Short Hops

CRANSTON, R.I. - Members of the Oaklawn Community Baptist Church are very serious about the Rhode Island tradition of the May Breakfast fund-raising event, since they are widely considered to have launched the practice.

The breakfast is always held on May 1 unless it falls on a Sunday, according to Carol Rathbun, church secretary. This year's event - the 141st - features scrambled eggs, ham, corn bread, and homemade apple pie, all served family style. Other organizations hold breakfasts between late April and mid-May, and some even offer johnnycake, a Rhode Island staple. Oaklawn counters with its signature clam cakes.

Breakfast is served in the fellowship hall behind the 1879 white clapboard church in the city's historic district. Church members in Colonial costume usually feed between 700 and 800 people. Diners come in waves, with an early group stopping on the way to work, and another crowd arriving around 8 a.m. Later, more folks come for a leisurely brunch. No reservations - just show up and you'll get a warm welcome.

May Breakfast, Oaklawn Community Baptist Church, 229 Wilbur Ave., Cranston, R.I., 401-944-0864. Thursday, May 1, 6-11 a.m. Adults $6.50, children ages 12 and under $3.50. Directions: From Boston, take Interstate 93 south to I-95 south toward Providence. Take exit 14B to merge onto Route 37 west toward Cranston. In 2.5 miles, turn left onto Natick Avenue. In 0.2 miles, turn left onto Wilbur Avenue.

PATRICIA HARRIS