By: Shannon Hegy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- The sun was shining as the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast took over downtown Springfield on Saturday morning.

Four hundred volunteers, including our own abc40 team, helped doll out thousands of flap jacks, bacon and enough coffee, milk and orange juice to wash it all down.

But the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast isn't just about food.

"We have people coming from all over today," said Judy Matt, President of Spirit of Springfield, "from Easthampton, Ludlow, you name it, they're here.

It's about bringing people together, and showing them what Springfield has to offer.

"Everybody gets together from so many communities like Holyoke, Chicopee, whatever, they come, they have pancakes, they talk to each other and have a great time," said Linda Larivee.

"Springfield doesn't always get the recognition," said Denise Barnett, "but it's a small town, it's a nice place, and the pancakes are great!"

Local businesses benefit from the breakfast as well.  Over 30 of them use the event as a way to advertise and reach out to the community.

"We can interact with the customers and we can speak to them and let them know a little bit about Pocket instead of them coming into the store and trying to figure out what's going on," said Pocket Wireless employee, Melissa Nunez.

No matter how you slice it, when it comes to the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, everyone leaves with a smile.