The era of flappers, bootleg booze and jazz came back to town Saturday night at the annual Henryetta Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Held at the high school cafeteria, many of the nearly 200 people attending dressed in styles of the time and enjoyed music from local stage star Makayla Baxter and the HHS Knight Brigade jazz band.
New chamber president Ashley Morris presented a number of awards to individuals and businesses for their contributions and participation throughout 2023.
The award recipients included:
Jeremy Roberts receiving the John Wayne award for his dedication to the chamber and leadership. He also received a plaque recognizing him as the outgoing chamber president.
During his term as president, the chamber hired executive director Genny Mooney from a field of what he called, “great candidates,” formed a finance committee, updated the chamber dues and bylaws for the first time in 20 years, added the 7 Hills music Fest to the list of events, held two successful Cruise Knights, rodeos and town-wide cleanup efforts.
Billie Been, Donnie Smith, Jill Francis and Bruce Jones were awarded plaques recognizing them as outgoing board of directors members.
Wendy’s Chevrolet awarded the Rising Star plaque for being a new member and involvement in chamber events.
Rheba’s Buds and Blooms received the Trail Blazer award for their work in making strides to better their business and community. They were recognized for holding a number of evening classes and been involved in the chamber and local organizations since taking over a longtime business.
The Henryettan of the Year award went to Kelly Dobson and Valerie Mosco. They were cited for their work organizing the 7 Hills Music Fest and the second Hallmark Henryetta Christmas event. They were cited for having a “passion for the community, passion for unity, love for our town.”
America’s Guardians Motorcycle Club received the Roy Madden Top Hand award. Morris pointed out the group was at all events ranging from Cruise Knight to toy drive and car washes.
Three Bears Native Arms received the New Business of the Year award. Morris pointed out the business is currently working on a project with he chamber that will be announced later as well as thrived in their first year in operation.
The Shack V2 was the Business of the Year recipient. Efforts in store decoration as well as involvement with the community were cited.
The two flappers, Stacey Blanchett and Samantha Lackey, were judged the best-dressed audience members during the evening.
“We had a wonderful turnout for the 109th Annual Chamber Banquet,” Morris said after the awards were presented. “We made quite a few changes this year and everything seemed to run smoothly.”
She went on to say that, she, and the Chamber of Commerce, “want to thank all that attended and brought money to spend! The proceeds raised at this banquet go towards our many small events that we hold throughout the year like, Cruise Knight, Monster Mash, and the Movies in the Park.
I am looking forward to what 2024 has in store for our Chamber.”
The evening in pictures:
