PENDLETON — The smell of eggs, ham and pancakes smothered in syrup saturate the air of Stillman Park near downtown Pendleton. Fueling Round-Up goers for the day is in the hands of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 922.

The organization hosts its Cowboy Breakfast, open to the community, offering an all-you-can-eat feast. John Blagg, cashier and volunteer said the crowds grow exponentially by the day. He also oversees the entrance fee of $12 a person and $6 a child.

The breakfast caters to around 4,000 people during the course of the four days it spans. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. showing up Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 11-14.

VFW has been serving up breakfast staples for around 75 years now, said John Cook, breakfast chairman and long time VFW volunteer. He hinted it’s a Round-Up staple that sets up the day.

It’s not just a breakfast though, it’s also the organization’s annual and major fundraiser.

“It’s the only fundraiser,” Cook said.

The local post holds monthly member meetings and participates in community events throughout the year, such as the Fourth of July parade. Proceeds from the breakfast go toward youth and community service programs, including the Pilot Rock School District, which sources students to help with the breakfast operations.

“Everything that we do throughout the year, it supports. Plus, keeping our lights on,” Cook said.

Just more than 40 volunteers make the breakfast happen — including the youth from Pilot Rock, who help with removing empty plates and trash. Money donated back to the school assists with program development and scholarships, said member and volunteer Gary Ward.

Live music also starts at 6 a.m. to accompany the breakfast. The Coyote Joe Cowboy band has been delivering music for three years at the event. Keeping the trend alive, Cook said the group anticipates the band’s return next year.

Admittedly, it’s a big preparation to cater four days of breakfast.

“When it’s over, we’re glad it’s over,” Cook said. “But we’re ready to start for next year, and I’m already looking at stuff I’ve got to buy.”