Annual pancake event slated for Feb. 9

 

It is almost time for the smell of hot coffee coupled with the sounds of pancakes flipping and sausages sizzling to take over Ironton again as the Rotary Club prepares for its annual breakfast fundraiser.

The Ironton Rotary Club Pancake Day is scheduled to provide food and caffeine to the community on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 7 a.m. to noon at the AEP Building at 525 S. Third St.

“This is our main fundraising function of the year,” John Boyd, club president, said. “But it’s also a big community event so we hope people come out and have a good time as they seem to always have in the past.”

Pancakes, sausages and coffee will be available for a $5 donation to the club. Those looking to grab and go need not worry as a take-out option will be available.

But those who have the time to hang out will be joined by fellow community members for a good time, Rotary Club member and long-time pancake chef Ray “Doc” Payne said.

“I’ve been making pancakes for this event for 40 years,” Payne said. “It used to be an all day event, but over the years we’ve shortened it down to end around noon. Doesn’t bother me though because at my age it isn’t easy to make them all day anymore.”

The years may have made him happy for shorter hours, but Payne says he and his fellow pancake flippers still put much stock in the quality of the batter used to feed the hungry crowd.

“Well, there are three of us cooking usually,” Payne said. “And when the batter comes out we can get particular about it. If it’s not just right, too thin or lumpy, we will turn it around — that’s the fun part.”

Payne said the amount of work that goes into the event, and the turnout of the community drives home the event’s slogan: “More than just a pancake … It’s community … It’s tradition.”