diff --git a/src/actions.py b/src/actions.py
index 5e88b28..f369f2e 100644
--- a/src/actions.py
+++ b/src/actions.py
@@ -40,5 +40,12 @@ async def display_time():
 
 
 async def display_pattern(*args, **kwargs):
-    while True:
-        await matrix_display.pattern(*args, **kwargs)
+    old_contrast = matrix_display.contrast
+    if "contrast" in kwargs.keys():
+        matrix_display.set_contrast(int(kwargs["contrast"]))
+    try:
+        while True:
+            await matrix_display.pattern(*args, **kwargs)
+    except:
+        if "contrast" in kwargs.keys():
+            matrix_display.set_contrast(old_contrast)
diff --git a/src/main.py b/src/main.py
index 13dbfe5..d5a5367 100644
--- a/src/main.py
+++ b/src/main.py
@@ -101,8 +101,12 @@ async def flash(count: int = 1, contrast: Optional[int] = None):
 
 
 @app.post("/pattern")
-async def flash(pattern: str = "01", step_ms: int = 500):
-    await queue.set_idle_action(display_pattern, pattern=pattern, step_ms=step_ms)
+async def flash(
+    pattern: str = "01", step_ms: int = 500, contrast: Optional[int] = None
+):
+    await queue.set_idle_action(
+        display_pattern, pattern=pattern, step_ms=step_ms, contrast=contrast
+    )
     return {"message": "Activated pattern."}