The Palestine Herald, Palestine, Texas

Local News

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
September 1, 2012

Annual Chamber Banquet slated Oct. 4

By CHERIL VERNON Palestine Herald-Press

PALESTINE — With a “Roundup — Denim and Diamonds Gala” theme, the return of the casino, mechanical bull and a live band, the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on Oct. 4 is gearing up to be a fun occasion for those in attendance.

The banquet will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion on U.S. 287 North.

“We’re really excited for the banquet to be held out at the Anderson County Youth Livestock pavilion. It’s the first time the chamber has been there for a banquet and we are excited about the new venue,” Chamber Executive Director Meghan Hill said. “We are changing up this year. We are going denim and diamonds, boots and bling, country western feel. Everyone should already have something that they can wear in their closet, so there’s no excuse not to attend.”

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour with appetizers, followed by dinner and the program. Other festivities will include a live band, dancing and silent auction. Local country western band Joker’s Heart will perform.

“We are bringing back the casino this year, something that’s been really popular in the past. It’s not real money, but we give people a certain amount of fake money to use and it doesn’t cost anything extra to play,” Hill said. “We also will have a western-themed photo opportunity that is free where a group of friends or a couple can have their picture taken and printed out that night with a western background. We also are going to have a mechanical bull for people to try, which is something different.”

The dinner will be catered by Contemporary Catering of Palestine.

“They brought samples for us to try and everything was delicious,” Hill said. “I think everyone will enjoy the food.”

The menu includes barbecue pork ribs, spicy whiskey sliders and fajita chicken street tacos for the entrees. Sides will include Contemporary Catering’s signature mashtinis, which some may remember from the Chamber’s Taste of Palestine event, as well as cole slaw, charro beans and corn salad.

“For dessert, they are going to serve banana pudding in mini mason jars and also will offer a mini cheesecake with a Texas pecan praline topping,” Hill said.

The beer and wine for the evening will be sponsored by Ben E. Keith Distributing.

During the program, the chamber will present the prestigious Citizen of the Year award, as well as the Ambassador of the Year and Business of the Year awards.

“We also will be giving the Volunteer of the Year award away. Last year was our first year for this award, which we gave to the volunteer firefighters,” Hill said. “The Citizen of the Year and the Volunteer of the Year awards are given to people who are nominated by the citizens of Palestine. The forms to nominate someone for these awards are available on our website with a description of what each award is for.”

During the program, the chamber board of directors will be recognized as well as the outgoing and new chamber president.

The chamber’s new magazine Presenting Palestine also will be unveiled at the banquet.

“I’ve been to other chamber banquets in other towns, ranging from Virginia to Austin, and our banquet by far is the most fun,” Hill said. “We encourage everyone to come out, have fun, mix and mingle. We also will have a silent auction and are hoping to add a live auction with lots of neat things you can bid on.”

Tickets are on sale now at the Chamber of Commerce office for $40 per person or $75 for couples. Sponsored tables for 10 are available for $650.

“Limited seating is available. We sold out last year, so we encourage everyone to reserve their tickets now by calling or coming by the chamber office,” Hill said.

For more information, call the chamber at 903-729-6066, drop by at 401 W. Main St. or visit online at www.palestinechamber.org.

Text Only
Local News
House Ads
Magazines
Podcast
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide