Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Everything in place for Chamber Banquet

This year's Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be honoring members of the Arkansas National Guard from town.

"Our Hometown Heros" will be the theme of the 2005 Chamber banquet, scheduled for March 31.

The banquet will again be held at the McRae Middle School cafetorium and is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with the annual auction.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, said this theme was selected because it is hoped the local troops that have been in Iraq will be home by then, but it's not just for the soldiers. She said it's also to recognize the local heros who work to help make the community prosper and achieve, whether they be police officers, firefighters or teachers.

The menu will include chicken cordon bleu, wild rice, salad, rolls and star spangled cake.

Godwin said there will be a special announcement made for the troops, all of whom are encouraged to attend the banquet with their significant others. "The banquet is to honor them." A short movie about the troops will be shown as well.

In addition, an eight-minute video will be shown during the dinner hour. The video was made by students in the Prescott High School EAST Lab about Prescott. This video was the state competition and will be featured on the Arkansas Department of Economic Development (ADED) web site to promote Prescott.

Dress will be casual with the decorations to be red, white and blue, mixed in with camouflage and yellow ribbons. Joe Graham, Chamber president, will be the master of ceremonies.

There will be no featured speaker at this year's banquet, Godwin said. Instead there will be a USO-style variety show with different acts. Roger Delano will be the primary entertainer.

Delano, an independent performer, wrote and performs the song, "Colorado", currently climbing the country charts. It is harder for songs and performers to make it as "indies", as they are known in the industry, than any other way. This is because these artists are primarily self-produced.

At this time, she said, the Chamber is soliciting donations for the auction. Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact the Chamber at 887-2101. Julie Oliver will act as auctioneer.

The banquet will recognize the Farm Family of the Year, which was the Steve Wren family last year, the Business Leadership Award will be presented as will the Teacher of the Year awards from the three districts. Jessie Ward, Miss Arkansas 2001, will present the Student of the Year award for the three schools. Ward began this after stepping down as Miss Arkansas to recognize outstanding students in the county. The Golden Treasure Award will also be presented, with the evening's entertainment culminating with the Citizen of the Year Award.

Tickets for the banquet will be $15 each. They can be purchased at the Chamber, from any Chamber Board member or from banquet committee members.