BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The smell of biscuits and gravy, sizzling sausage and fried bologna will soon fill the air in Inez from one of Martin County’s most cherished spring traditions.

The Kiwanis Club’s popular Hillbilly Breakfast returns May 9 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Inez Elementary School, serving a hearty hometown meal to help local students take their next step after high school.

Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps announced the event  Thursday during the club’s luncheon at Giovanni’s in Inez.

For $7, diners can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread packed with country favorites: gravy, biscuits, eggs, sausage, fried bologna, fried potatoes, fried apples, chocolate gravy and assorted drinks.

The annual breakfast is a full plate and a full house. It is also one of the club’s signature scholarship fundraisers for Martin County seniors preparing to graduate.

Depending on proceeds, Kiwanis plans to award two to three $1,000 scholarships to local students this year.

As members prepare for the event, local sponsors are honoring the breakfast’s deep local roots.

Phelps said she spoke with Brad Pack of Warfield Market, who agreed to provide groceries for the fundraiser. The connection carries special meaning: Pack’s grandfather, Derle Walker, helped establish the tradition decades ago. His mother, Judy Walker Ousley, carried it on through the years.

Club members reviewed the grocery list and began assigning duties as preparations moved forward.

To support the cause, the club is selling advertising and sponsorship opportunities that will appear on placemats used during the breakfast.

Placemat ads are available for $50 for a regular ad and $100 for a premium ad.

Anyone interested in reserving ad space can message the Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County, KY on Facebook or contact any Kiwanis member.

With the breakfast officially back on the calendar, Kiwanis is once again inviting the community to come hungry.