Sunday, May 19, 2024
SPRINGTOWN — Grab your hats, fascinators and bowties for the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Kentucky Derby-themed awards gala on Friday, March 1.
The chamber hosts the gala annually to honor local businesses, organizations and individuals. The event will take place at the Covered Bridge Venue at 2250 Agnes Circle in Springtown and will start at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s gala is being planned by the chamber’s new Executive Director Terri Toone, who was promoted last year after former director Amy Walker retired. Toone attended school for event planning and has invited a few of her instructors to the gala in a show of gratitude.
“I told them, ‘You guys, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. You put up with me to get this degree, so you've got to come see what you've made out of me,’” she said.
Toone said she picked the Kentucky Derby theme because she loves horses and wants the event to be fun.
“I want it be the one that people are talking about,” she said. “Each year, we're really going to have to think of something to top it next year.”
In line with the Kentucky Derby theme, prizes will be given away to the wearer of the best hat, and there will be a horse racing game, Toone said.
The night will kick off around 6 p.m. with socializing over hors d'oeuvres, Toone said. Corn Fed Catering will be providing dinner at the gala. Brooklynn Hatton will serve as the emcee, and Leonardo the DJ will provide entertainment. The evening will also include a silent auction where mock mint julips will be served.
Of course, the highlight of the gala is the awards presentation. The chamber will honor the Springtown teacher of year, the business of the year, organization of the year, chamber member of the year and public safety employee of the year as well as the people named the Hometown Hero and Spirit of Springtown.
Anyone in the community, even if they aren’t a chamber member, is welcome to attend the family-oriented event, Toone said. Tickets, which are $55 each and $550 for a table of 10, can be purchased online at https://springtownchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/536 or by calling the chamber at 817-220-7828. The reservation deadline is Feb. 22.
