By Janet Cruz

Go Lake Havasu Visitors Center hosted a celebration of Pancake’s first birthday, the character of a children’s book that details the history of Lake Havasu City through the world of a burro and his grandmother or “abuela” on Saturday morning at the English village.

The children’s book titled “Pancake A Very Curious Burro in Lake Havasu” launched last year. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch, the community was invited to a special party and were treated to an appearance of live burros from HavaZoo petting zoo located in Havasu Heights.

Emery, Scottie, and Tommy Dolph pose with a burro from HavaZoo Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Author Deborah Porter said her idea came after she thought it would be fun to have the story of the history of Lake Havasu told through a silly burro and his grandmother. The illustrations were the creation of her grandson Zander Cabinaw.

“When I first did the book launch, I donated it to the Go Lake Havasu Visitors Center. I wanted them to reap the benefits of it,” Porter said. “It’s turning out to be a great little marketing tool. One person purchased the book to take it back with them to Minnesota … to their grandkids and that’s kind of what I envisioned this book to do.

“I even heard one little story about another person who purchased the book and took it to their grandkids and now its on their bucket list to come visit Lake Havasu City.”

Author Deborah Porter signs Pancake the Burro books at the Go Lake Havasu Visitor’s Center. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Families were treated to cupcakes, drinks, games with prizes including Pin the Tail, Face Painting and even a live reading of the book which included Pancake played by Marty Waychoff, and his Abuela played by Marge Snyder.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“It’s just fun to see the community come out and enjoy themselves, it’s something that parents were able to come out to and interact with their kids,” Porter said.

For more information, or to purchase the book which includes a plush toy, visit the Go Lake Havasu Visitors Center located at 422 English Village, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

Watson Devlaeminck colors during Pancake’s birthday party Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The owners of HavaZoo escort burros through the front gates to Pancake’s Birthday Party. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Board members of Go Lake Havasu pose for a photo with author Deborah Porter. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene