GRAVETTE -- The sixth annual Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce community banquet, with a "Havana Nights" theme, was held Thursday evening, Feb. 7. Approximately 290 guests attended the event held at Horton Farms on Bethlehem Road.
Tall vases filled with tropical flowers served as centerpieces at each table. Mugs containing candy and coupons were a part of each place setting, and colorful balloon bouquets decorated the room. A "Havana Nights" photo backdrop near the serving table provided a setting for souvenir photos of the occasion.
Guests enjoyed a social hour preceding the meal, visiting with friends and fellow businessmen. Appetizers of meats, cheeses, nuts, olives, crackers, noni bread, hummus, tortilla chips and dip, fresh fruits and vegetables were served, and several beverage choices were available. Gravette photographer Steve Huckriede displayed several of his works. Guests were able to enter drawings for a number of door prizes donated by area businesses and individuals and bid on several items offered in a silent auction.
Fred Overstreet, Chamber president, welcomed guests and thanked everyone for attending. He introduced special guests, including Gravette Mayor Kurt Maddox, State Representative Gayla McKenzie, and Robin Mizell from the Arkansas Attorney General's Office. He also introduced Chamber vice-president Amanda Gittlein, secretary Crystal Haggard and treasurer Sundee Hendren. He thanked members of the Bank of Gravett junior bank board who helped with decorating the room.
Overstreet explained that the Chamber has reorganized its membership structure and several levels of membership are now offered. He encouraged all area businesses to join during the current membership drive. He said all Chamber proceeds go for Chamber projects such as the scholarship fund which is being renewed this year, the holiday angel tree and events such as the third annual Smoke On The Border barbecue competition which is scheduled for April 6 and 7 this year.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Grumpy's Peace, Love and Coffee as Business of the Year. Overstreet told how Larry Jones ("Grumpy") provided thermoses of hot coffee on a cold, snowy morning for entrants in last year's Smoke On The Border competition. Grumpy makes contributions to various community events.
Auctioneer Dwayne Craig was chosen Citizen of the Year by a vote of the Chamber membership. Craig often offers his services for various benefit auctions, including the pie auction at the 2018 and 2019 Chamber banquets. Karen Benson, manager of the Gravette Public Library, was selected Chamber Member of the Year. She has instituted many new programs at the library and manages the Chamber website. Overstreet said each award winner would be receiving a certificate of commendation from the Attorney General's Office.
The banquet was catered by Bentonville Butcher and Pint. Diners were served a choice of entrees, including a hog roasted on site, smoked pulled pork, a Cuban chicken dish and Cuban baked beef empanadas. The menu featured side dishes of Cuban crushed potatoes, Cuban red beans and rice, Cuban green beans with bacon, onions and a hint of lime and a Cuban salad featuring tomatoes, red onions and radishes dressed with a vinaigrette. Dessert choices were tres leches cake, Cuban coconut candy, white chocolate bread pudding and whipped cheesecake.
A pie auction held after dinner raised $7,110 for Chamber projects. Dwayne Craig monitored the lively bidding for more than 30 pies baked by area businesses and individuals. Rickie Stark was the winning bidder for the highest selling item, a carrot cheesecake baked by Crystal Haggard. It sold for $550. The silent auction brought in $1,386.
Community on 02/13/2019