Chamber banquet returns

ODESSA — The annual Chamber Banquet is returning to Old Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 10.

The event was canceled for the last few years due to the pandemic. It will be held at Old Town Hall this year due to the community center renovations.

Happy hour begins the evening as an icebreaker for attendees to mingle.

Odessa Golf & RV will provide refreshments with a no-host bar.

A prime rib dinner will be served and comedian Michael Gliztmaier will be the night’s entertainment.

A Chinese raffle will take place and raffle ticket entries can be designated to whichever prizes the attendees are aiming to win.

Some prizes include a $250 gas card, two Chris Stapleton tickets and a $100 gift card to Clinkerdaggers, Northern Quest Spa package, pickleball court set, a Scentsy basket, a drug store basket, a Traeger and a kids toy basket.

Local businesses or citizens donated all Chinese raffle prizes.

The Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1909 and has vowed to support local businesses and has helped pass school levies and support the community since.

In 1967 the chamber helped build the community center that is now being renovated due to safety reasons and updates needed.

In 1968 the banquet was held at the elementary school cafeteria with over 123 guests.

The high school girls served a swiss steak dinner prepared by the school cooks.

The banquet has had many themes in the past, including a casino night, any occasion, Mardi Gras, and this year will be the roaring 20’s.

The banquet honors multiple awards with the business of the year and person of the year.

The awards given in 2021 included Business of the Year, which went to Terrie Schmidt-Crosby of The Odessa Record, and Volunteer of the Year, which went to Dale Ramm.

The awards were given out late due to the pandemic and the banquet’s ultimate cancellation.