IRONTON — For Ironton Rotary Club members, the annual pancake breakfast is like a meal among friends. A lot of friends.

The annual event that attracts hundreds for a good meal to support the civic club will be from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at the AEP building at 525 S. Third St. in Ironton.

Although getting pancakes, sausage and coffee for only $5 may sound like a good bargain, club members are quick to point out that the fellowship may be priceless.

“It is one time every year, it seems like I see everyone from Ironton is in one building — with the exception of Ironton home football games,” said Rotarian Jay Zornes.

“I enjoy the tradition of it. I wonder how many pancakes have been served to Ironton residents in that building over the years? I wonder how many kids have been helped with the proceeds from the breakfast?”

Money raised at the Pancake Day and other club fund-raisers goes to area charities such as the City Mission, support of civic projects like the Ironton in Bloom organization, sponsoring scholarships at Ohio University Southern, providing dictionaries to every third grade class in Lawrence County and much more.

In addition a portion of the funds go toward Rotary International’s causes including its ongoing battle to eradicate polio worldwide.

But even if lending a hand isn’t your goal,

“Why should someone come? For the fun and for some laughs,” Zornes said. “Bring your friends with you and reconnect with people you may not have seen in years.”