Dot Day Parade : Always the first Sunday in JuneThe kick-off events leading up to the Dorchester Day Parade— set for Sunday, June 4 — will be a little different this year. Traditionally, a meatloaf dinner is held each March to launch the season, but this year’s parade committee has chosen a new, family-friendly theme that will be fun for everyone.

The first-ever Dot Day Pancake breakfast is scheduled for Sat., March 4 from 9-11 a.m. at First Parish Church, 10 Parish St., Dorchester. Characters including Batman and Superman, Spiderman, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a few Minions will make an appearance at the breakfast, according to Walsh.

“We’re excited for it. We’re hoping to run out of food this year,” said Kelly Walsh, president of the Dorchester Day Parade Committee.

The breakfast is not limited to pancakes. Eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee, tea and juice supplied by Boston’s Season’s Catering will be on offer.

“The characters are always a great attraction and they can’t interact with the kids in the parade. The kids usually want a picture with them so we wanted to give them a chance to interact,” said Walsh.

The cost for the pancake breakfast is %15 per adult, $30 for a family of four with each additional child $7. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Dorchester’s 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off is on Sun., March 26 from 4-7 p.m. and the funds raised will be used to support the Dorchester Day Parade, which will be held Sun., June 4.

The annual 10K raffle will be held on Fri., April 7 from 7 p.m.-midnight at Florian Hall. The committee sells 300 tickets at $100 to enter the raffle for a chance to win up to $10,000. The ticket includes admission to the event for two people.

The top 10 have the option to split the prize 10 ways or to keep going and eliminate somebody else, last year the prize was split between 7 people. For general entry to the event, the admission ticket price is $25.

A senior luncheon at Florian Hall will be held on Thurs., May 11, time is to be determined, but traditionally the start time is at noon.

The Chief Marshall’s Banquet — set for Fri., June 2 at Florian Hall— will honor the Chief Marshall, who has yet to be chosen, as well as all the awardees from the events preceding The Dorchester Day parade: the Mayor of Dorchester, essay and art contest winners and Little Miss and Young Miss Dorchester.

For further information on these events, please contact Kelly Walsh at kellywalsh@dotdayparade.com.