There was a bit of sparkle in the air, a little shimmy and shake, and excitement during the 2022 Awards Banquet at held Thursday, January 27th at Twisted Vines Event Center in Fairfield, Texas.

Hosted by Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, “The Roaring Twenties” was the theme for the evening, and attendees wore their best of fringe, sequins and shine.

Bringing their “A” game with outfits worthy of the finest Speakeasy in town were Shelby Griffin in her green finery

and Mayor Kenneth Hughes with his high-end gold dinner jacket.

The two were awarded Best Dressed for the evening.

The annual affair opened with Chamber Ambassador Mary Small leading the Pledge to the Flags.

Before doing so, she took time to thank fellow Chamber members and business owners, Averi Grant and Amy Ralstin, for taking over the running of her store when husband, Gordon, suffered a heart attack.

The anthem was beautifully sung by Shelby Griffin, and prayer given by Pastor Robert Smith.

Ambassador of the Year was presented to Lisa Nichols.

Chamber Ambassadors serve as the welcoming face of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Ambassador program is to promote Fairfield and the Chamber of Commerce in the community and to provide a helping hand with Chamber events and activities.

Chamber Board member, Robert McAdams, was presented the Community Spirit Award for going above and beyond in serving as a light to the community of Fairfield.

Dinner for the evening was a Classic Gatsby with a Baby Spinach salad, Cornish Hen glazed with citrus plum sauce, and a Speakeasy Chocolate Pecan Pie spiked with Jack Daniel’s and served with fresh made Vanilla Bean whipped cream.

As attendees were polishing off their plates, Auctioneer James Grants began offering up luscious cakes for bid.

Flapper’s Delight Red Velvet cake, handmade by Jonathan Lawlor and donated by Armadillo Emporium, was snatched up for a cool four Franklins by Hometown Pharmacy.

Later in the evening, a big round of applause went to former mayor Roy Hill, who laid down over two smooth grands ones for a Snazzy Black Tie Affair cake handmade by Charlotte Brantner and donated by Chamber Vice-Chair Gail Farish.

Needless to say, the eleven donated cakes went for high dollars this year. They also included:

–Swanky Pearl Pound Cake – Handmade and Donated by Karen Leidy of Freestone County Times

–Jazzy Dark Magic Cake – Handmade and Donated by Megan Hempel of Odd Ducks Candy Company

–The Golden Twenties Almond Amaretto Cake – Handmade and Donated by Lisa Schick Kamler

–The Roaring Ritzy Red Velvet Cake – Handmade and Doanted by Charlotte Brantner

–Glamorous Gatsby Chocolate Cake – Handmade by Jonathan Lawlor and Donated by Juls by Jul

–Bee’s Knees Caramel Dolce Leche Cake – Handmade by Dessert by MommaCakes and Donated by Jason and Brenda Pate

–The Cat’s Meow Chocolate Grand Marnier – Handmade by Dessert by MommaCakes and Donated by Ethan and Ashley DeVilier

–Hotsy-Totsy Tiramisu – Handmade by MommaCakes and Donated by Kenny and Nichole Hughes

–Scarface Speakeasy – Handmade by Dessert by MommaCakes and Donated by Ms. Patty Pratt

The awards continued with Olivia Robinson Hays (pictured at top) honored with this year’s Citizen of the Year award for her tireless enthusiasm in spreading kindness whereever she goes, as the face of Kindness From Case Memorial Foundation.

Civic Organization of the Year was presented to Freestone County Area Go-Texan Scholarship Committee, that works toward the goal of providing scholarships to Freestone County youth.

The organization hosted Go-Texan tournaments during the County Fair and cornhole tournaments throughout the year. April 29th & 30th will be their first Go-Texan BBQ Cookoff event, and will include cornhole, horseshoes, live music, and more.

Small Business of the Year was awarded to Nicole Hughes, owner of Dessert by MommaCakes. Among the bakery’s community involvement was an event during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month when enough donated bras were collected to “circle” the Freestone County courthouse, with monetary donations going to the local cancer support group.

This year’s Business of the Year is well-known for donating and pitching in when the community has a need. Award was presented by Jason Walthall, store manager of Brookshire Brothers of Fairfield.

Mr. Jerry Don Sanders was presented the Lifetime Achievement award for serving his community as a financial advisor for many years. He is noted as a big supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, active member of the Fairfield Rotary Club, Round Prairie Baptist Church, and an excellent gardener. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said.

Described as a lifelong contributor to our community and big supporter of youth, Legacy Award winner for 2022 is attorney Roy W. Hill, who formerly served fourteen years as Fairfield’s mayor. Presenter could be excused for losing breath, in listing the many different organizations that benefitted from his support. “Thank you, everyone. God bless,” he said.

Next, Superintendent Dr. Jason Adams took to the stage to recognize excellence at Fairfield ISD.

Teachers of the Year awards were presented to the following Fairfield campuses:

–Wendy Farrell – Elementary

–Leanne Payne – Intermediate

–Rob Shipley – Junior High

–Clay Sherman – High School

Introducing Fairfield High School’s Student of the Year, Dr. Adams remarked that she was one of the first students he met when starting the position as superintendent. FHS senior, Ally Robinson, has plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Agri Economics.

In closing, the Outgoing Chamber President award was given to Eli Pratt for his service to Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

The 2022 Chamber Board of Directors include:

–Josh Bayless – Chair

–Gail Farish – Vice Chair

–Eli Pratt – Treasurer

–Kim Bishop – Secretary

–Robert McAdams – Director

–Averie Grant – Director

–Kayse Turner – Director

Ambassadors are: Jason Pate, Betty Lewis, Gina Martin, Cynthia Gage, Lisa Nichols, Kate Sherman, Daniel Stauffer, Patty Pratt, Brenda Finley, Karen Leidy, Julee Emmons, Bettye Trask, Mary Small, Carol Moller, Jason Walthall, Jim Watterson, Cindy Bolen, Kimberly DeVine, and WA & Syd Davis.

It is from the bottom of our heart that we thank the City of Fairfield and our members for supporting the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce through the years.

Thank you Twisted Vines Event Center for providing their beautiful venue for our event, Creations Flowers & Gifts for always creating a beautiful scene for the evening, and to all of our volunteers that helped us prepare for the evening.

In order to have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community. We are truly blessed in our community to have leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens who realize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and happiness within our community.

“Each of you play a very important role in the success of our community. For you support and kindness we say ‘Thank you from the bottom of our heart.’”

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors,
Brenda & Ashley

(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)