Christmas comes early to annual C of C banquet

The Piggott Community Center will take on the look of a holiday wonderland next week as the Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual banquet and dinner meeting.

The event, set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, will again feature a table decorating contest for chamber members. This year's theme is "An Old Fashioned Christmas."

"We wanted to keep it simple this year, and everyone has plenty of Christmas decorations," banquet chair Wanda Morris noted. "We have a number of chamber members doing at least one table, and some are doing two. It will really give the banquet a holiday look."

The chamber banquet also will include the annual silent auction, which has grown into an important fundraiser for the organization. In the past two weeks, dozens of auction items have been gathered and will be offered to the highest bidders the night of the banquet. This year the entertainment is being provided by Emma Gookin, along with Patrick Patterson and his band.

A new addition this year is a raffle for a fully-decorated pencil style Christmas tree. Tickets will be on sale prior to and at the banquet for a $1 donation. The drawing for the tree will be held Dec. 5 at the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Fest and Parade.

Those interested in attending the banquet are reminded that tickets are $20 each and currently are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce office in the depot building. Tickets also may be acquired by calling The Treasure Chest at 598-2385 or Piggott Florist at 598-2203. The deadline for purchasing tickets in advance is Friday, Oct. 16, and tickets will not be available at the door.

Those who want to reserve tickets or who want more information on the drawing may call the chamber office at 598-3167.