Hang up the barbecue tongs and the apron, it’s time to celebrate your freedom from cooking for at least one day.

Bring your appetites and your pocketbooks to Saturday’s Independence Day celebration because Colfax Pride has organized an event of gastronomic proportions.

The caravan of more than 75 vendors will start arriving early on Saturday.

While your lunch, snacks and dinner are being set up and prepared, start out at the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 22 Sunset Circle.

The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, a choice of ham or sausage, orange juice and coffee provided by Buzz Thru Joe’s.

Cost is $5 for adults and $3.50 for children under age 12.

Be prepared to abandon the diet as you head downtown for an epicurean adventure.

Making their debut at our little town celebration, but well known to Sacramento area folks, is Red Rooster Waffles.

You can’t miss the red and white striped awning atop a 1970’s Volkswagen single cab truck, custom-made to include everything needed to be a mobile wafflery.

Reminiscent of the Helms Bakery trucks that brought hot baked goods to Southern California neighborhoods from 1931 to 1969, the candy red “VolksWaffle” truck makes its way to farmers’ markets, car shows, corporate events and small town venues.

Owners Marc Van Mieghem and Michelle Salata say their VolksWaffle is not just “a” waffle, but a “sweet and tasty, pastry snack.”

VolksWaffles are authentic Belgian waffles made of dough instead of batter. Van Mieghem says they add a special pearl sugar that bursts and carmelizes when the dough hits the iron, producing a crispy crunchy outside and a soft, fluffy inside that “melts in your mouth with every bite.”

These are meant to be eaten with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon, or with a light spread of Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut cream and not smothered in fancy sauces.

Easy on the wallet and the palate will be Grandfathers’ Steak Tacos. “CrayZ” and other club members will sell them for just one buck.

Proceeds will benefit domestic violence and child abuse prevention programs.

Last year the group sold 2,200 tacos. Their goal this year is 3,000.

The Naked Rooster on Main Street will set up a seating area in front of the restaurant where you can relax and enjoy an authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich, or dine inside to avoid the heat.

Evangeline’s on Depot Street will offer a variety of salads and sandwiches for those who prefer healthier grub.

A popular spot to get a cool, refreshing beverage will be the Beer Garden located at the corner of Main and Church Streets.

Sponsored by the Colfax Recreation Association, festivalgoers can imbibe in a variety of beer and soda, enjoy a burger, and listen to back-to-back bands playing throughout the day.

Back for a second year will be the Colfax High School Wrestling Teams’ popular tri-tip sandwich smothered in peppers and onions.

It seems festival goers have their favorite item.

Colfax resident Chris Alexander has been attending the Colfax Independence Day celebration with her family for 18 years.

“The Lions Club steak sandwiches are fantastic. We look forward to going back every year. Now even my kids love them,” she says.

There will also be traditional food items, like Indian fry bread tacos, hot dogs from Bob’s Dogs, sno cones, cotton candy and more.

While noshing your way up Main Street, there will be plenty of vendors selling crafts and gifts like jewelry, clothing, toys, and even baseball cards.

Local astronomer Don Machholz will have a display of telescopes.

For the ultimate treat, stop by the Bridges to Healing booth for a chair massage.

There won’t be any fireworks to end the celebration, but Colfax Pride promises there will be of food and festivities to celebrate with…and you won’t have to do dishes!