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From the outside of First United Methodist Church, the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9, might have seemed like any other. 

However, an eventful scene inside showed a much different scenario.  

Winchester Kiwanis’ annual pancake breakfast took place, welcoming dozens indoors from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

“We’ve been getting this together for the better part of a month now,” said Paul Rogers, who serves as treasurer for the organization and helped coordinate the event. “We’re just grateful for the support.” 

Those who walked into the church and went down the back steps were greeted by none other than Clark County Magistrate Robert Blanton, who took the $10 fee for entrance – though kids ate for free – before entering a line where they could receive some fine food. 

While regular and blueberry pancakes were available, the menu included eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and more. 

Greg Yates, Executive Director of Partners in Education, filled cups with orange juice, milk, and other beverages for attendees to enjoy. 

Throughout the morning, many attendees included Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue, Clark County Detention Center Jailer Frank Doyle, Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver, Magistrate Chris Davis, newly elected Circuit Court Clerk Tony Kirk, and many more. 

Present with his wife Sue, long-time Winchester resident Jake Halverstadt mentioned that coming to the breakfast is a tradition. 

“We’ve come more than ten…years probably. My dad was in Kiwanis. It was always an important part of my life,” he said. “It’s a long-lived, respectable [tradition] of the community…[I] enjoy seeing the same people over and over.” 

The event included several sponsors – such as Creative Coffees Roastery, Gateway Radio Works, Inc., Kentucky Poultry Federation, Central Bank, Save a Lot Distribution Centers, and East Kentucky Power Cooperative. 

According to Smith, it also included over 20 volunteers expecting to serve approximately 120 breakfasts. 

The money raised will support many of the Kiwanis’ charity causes for children, including the yearly Walk with a Child event.

“It’s good to see so many people come and enjoy breakfast!” Rogers concluded.