COAL GROVE — Pancakes were flying off the griddles Saturday during the annual Coal Grove Lions Club pancake breakfast at Dawson-Bryant High School.

The fundraiser is the biggest of the year for the club, and president Tom Carey said the event draws between 800-1,000 people throughout the five-hour duration.

“This is just a wonderful, wonderful event,” Carey said. “It’s just like a big family reunion. Everyone knows everyone else and you see them table hopping and just having a good time.”

Working the ticket table at the entrance was club member Doug Malone, before guests were greeted by Sam Hall and club vice president Don Malone making the pancakes next to Pat Neville passing out sausage. Pug Kelley was also whipping up special Easter Bunny M&Ms pancakes for the children.

The Easter Bunny was also on hand for free photos by photographer Ken Barnett.

“We have about 40 volunteers here working during the course of 7 a.m.-noon,” Carey said. “It’s a wonderful thing to be involved in.”

Also helping out at the event were Fred Waller on take-out orders, Tom LeMaster making the pancake batter, Keith Simmons and Dennis Dickess on dishes and Boy Scout Troop 103, of Coal Grove, passing out milk and coffee.

Altogether, club treasurer and secretary Alvin Boyd said the club went through 40 gallons of milk, six pounds of coffee, 50 pounds of sausage, six cases of maple syrup, with 12 bottles per case, six cases of pancake mix, with 12 boxes per case, 10 dozen eggs and 15 lbs. of butter for the breakfast.

Carey said all of the money made through the event goes back into the community and the community support the club gets is very strong.

“I can’t say enough about the community and their support. It’s unparalleled,” he said. “Through the support the community gives us, people know the club is something good.”