A Big Night for the Chamber of Commerce
by Shirley Watters

"Helping Winnsboro Develop and Prosper" was the theme for this year's Chamber of Commerce banquet held Saturday, February 22nd at the City Auditorium.

A barbecue dinner of brisket and chicken with beans, potato salad, a drink and dessert was served to the more than 200 people in attendance.

Opening words by Charley Boles, outgoing Chamber of Commerce president, were followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" played by Chelsi Thigpen on the flute, and an invocation by Bro. James McLeod, pastor of First Baptist Church.

Newly elected Chamber president Mike Clark presented an award to Charley Boles for his service of the past two years and introduced Randy Lindsey who provided entertainment for the evening.

A surprise group of entertainers consisting of Dan Noteware, Randy Lindsey, Ben Amerson, Mike Clark and Bob Hibbard performed their rendition of YMCA, much to the delight of the audience.

Annual Awards were presented by by Jim Plumlee, Chamber Treasurer, Mayor Carolyn Jones, and Queen Autumn Trails XLIV, Jamie Kellar.

The evening was rounded out with a silent auction of items donated by the following businesses and individuals: A Kid's Dream, Angela Besson Massage Therapy, Beverly Onley Insurance, Brookshire's, Calico Junction, Camera Ready Art, Cypress Springs Tree & Berry Farm, Davis Chiropractic, Drs. DeLa Cruz & Garay, East Texas Optical, The Fashion Shop, Flowerland, Ford Plumbing, Foxworth Galbraith, Glass Creations, Home Repairs, M.D.R.E, Inc. - Hardy's Auto Parts, Henson Tree Service, Ivy Garden Tea Room, Key Drug, Main Street Gallery, Ron Miranda on behalf of the Main Street Program, Mitchell Livestock, Network Technologies, Poultry Plus Hardware, Rebekah's (Thee Hubbell House), R.H. McCrary's Hardware, Romack Supply, Scott's Pharmacy, Sharon Water, Strawberry Hill Antiques, Winkle Oil, Winnsboro Bakery, Winnsboro Chiropractic, Wintex Construction, Inc., Wood County Electric Co-op, and Your Logo Here Specialty Printing.

Others who helped to make this year's Chamber banquet a success include:
Committee Chairman, Ed Russell; Silent Auction Donations arranged by A Kid's Dream and Danielle Ivie; Decorations, The Pilot Club, Gayle Gearner, and Debbie Boles; Brisket and Sauce prepared by Jimmie Davis; Chicken prepared by Brookshire's; Beans prepared by Illa McNulty and Gayle Gearner; Butter provided by Keller's Creamery; Plates and Potato Salad provided by Charley and Debbie Boles; Drink cups and Napkins provided by Mike Crouch, Cutlery provided by Phil Smith; and Desserts provided by The Winnsboro Civic Club.