Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Honors Community’s Best
Big hair, puffy sleeves and neon colors were out in abundance during the ‘Totally 80’s Prom’ themed 2023 Chamber Awards Banquet at held Thursday, January 26th at Twisted Vines Event Center in Fairfield, Texas.
Hosted by Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the fun evening showcased the best of the community.
Sporting their finest in prom wear were Nicole Hughes and Justin Griffin, crowned Prom Queen & King for the event.
The annual gathering opened with a welcome by outgoing Chamber Chair – Josh Bayless.
Attendees were led by Mary Small in the pledge to the American and Texas flags. Shelby Griffin sang the National Anthem, and Spain Trask led the invocation.
Fairfield Mayor Kenneth Hughes presented the City of Fairfield Employee of the Year award to Coporal Jared Scarrow of the Fairfield Police Department.
After listing numerous project and outreach efforts in the community and beyond, Chamber Board members Kim Bishop and Robert McAdams presented the Community Spirit Award to members of the First United Methodist Church of Fairfield. Minister Michael McVey, who also serves as a Chaplain for the U.S. Coast Guard, accepted the award on behalf of parishioners.
Ambassador of the Year was presented to Jason Pate for countless hours of volunteer work for the Chamber.
Chamber Ambassadors serve as the welcoming face of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, promoting Fairfield and the Chamber in the community, and providing a helping hand with Chamber events and activities.
A surprise and misty-eyed Emily Plemons McGowan of Tallulah Rey boutique was presented the Small Business of the Year award for her unflagging support for fellow business owners, fundraising efforts for both local cancer survivors and law enforcement, and dedication to making each of her customers feel special.
Banquet attendees then enjoyed a delicious Disco Dinner the included Over the Top Mediterranean Chicken with olives, tomatoes, and red onions on a bed of spinach; white rice served with a side of Bodacious Broccoli, Spring Mix Salad, dinner rolls, and finished off with a Totally Dope Pineapple upside down cake.
Serving as auctioneer, Texas 99.1 KNES radio celebrity Buzz Russell stepped up to offering up bodacious cakes for bid.
First up was ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ Mom’s Secret Recipe Pound Cake, handmade and donated by Karen Leidy of Freestone County. This cake went for a cool five Franklins to Kindness From Case, who donated the cake to be resold for an additional three big bills by Farmers State Bank.
Later in the evening, the top cake bids broke some major records, with the last several cakes sold for more than $1,000 to CETA and Incommons Bank. Wow!
Eleven cakes brought in big money in this year’s auction, thanks to the following:
–‘Don’t Stop Believing’ Mom’s Secret Recipe Pound Cake – handmade and donated by Karen Leidy of Freestone County Times – purchased by Kindness From Case and Farmers State Bank
–Dark Magic with whipped cream & dark ganache ‘Neon Dream’ – handmade and donated by Megan Hempel – purchased by The Fairfield Recorder
–‘Totally Rad’ Red Velvet Cake – donated by Armadillo Emporium and baked by Something Different – purchased by Freestone County Farm Bureau
–‘Super Fly’ Italian Cream Cake – donated by Juls by Jul and baked by Something Different – purchased by Community National Bank & Trust
–‘Girls just wanna have Fun’ Lemon Raspberry Cake – donated by Little Lady Diggers Volleyball Organization and handmade by Holly Roberson of Twisted Whisk – purchased by Farmers State Bank
–‘Pretty in Pink’ Strawberry Italian Cream Cake – donated by Freestone County Historical Museum and made by Dessert by MommaCakes – purchased by CETA
–‘Freakin’ A’ Signature Salted Almond Vanilla Cake – donated by Blue Sky Window Cleaning and made by Dessert by MommaCakes – purchased by Jack Russell Oil
–‘Walking on Sunshine’ Mammy’s Lemon Tart Cake – handmade and donated by Nicole and Kenny Hughes of Dessert by MommaCakes – purchased by Winters Oil
–‘Risky Business’ Salted Caramel Cake – donated by Gail Farish of Creations Flowers & Gifts and made by Charlotte Brantner – purchased by CETA
–‘Tainted Love’ Tye Dye Vanilla Cake – handmade and donated by Charlotte Brantner – purchased by Incommons Bank
–‘Wham!’ White Chocolate Swiss Buttercream with whit chocolate ganache – handmade and donated by Lisa Schick-Kamler – purchased by CETA
The awards continued with Ashlee Daniel honored with this year’s Citizen of the Year award for her contribution in support the Arts as President of Trinity Star Arts Council. The organization has donated supplies to local art and music teachers, hosted music and theatrical performances for school children, given out scholarships to graduating students, and this year, presented an exhibition for textile artist Laverne Brackens.
Be sure to mark your calendars for TSAC’s next event, an Art Show for Fairfield ISD students hosted by Freestone Medical Center in February. Meet the Artist night will be Friday, February 10th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Civic Organization of the Year was presented to Fairfield ISD Education Foundation, that has awarded over $99,000 (and counting) in grants to teachers. Their 6th Annual Fundraiser Gala, set for Saturday, April 1st, will be an evening of ‘Dueling Pianos’ at Twisted Vines Event Center. For more information, call the FISD Administration Office at 903-389-2532.
This year’s Business of the Year has been a big supporter of area youth through 4-H, FFA and Fairfield Young Farmers. An excited group from Tractor Supply Co. of Fairfield took this award home with them.
Patricia “Patty” Pratt was presented the Lifetime Achievement award for her strong will and caring spirit. She had a long career as a caregiver, working all areas of the hospital, and in her retirement worked at The Fairfield Recorder newspaper, and currently serves as curator of the Freestone County Historical Museum. “She has many stories to share,” said presenter Kim Bishop as her nephew, Eli Pratt presented a well-deserved plaque.
Exemplifying the Lions Club motto, “We serve,” is this year’s recipient of the Legacy Award, Ann and Gilbert Gatlin, who have work tirelessly as community volunteers through Fairfield Lions Club, First United Methodist Church, and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Award was accepted on their behalf be their daughter, Amy.
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:
–Lorrance Ludwig – Fairfield Elementary
–Molly Oliver – Fairfield Intermediate
–Jill Schick – Fairfield Junior High
–Elizabeth Collier – Fairfield High School
Introducing Fairfield High School’s Student of the Year, Dr. Adams called Payton Botelho, a “Ray of Sunshine.” The FHS senior plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Communications.
The 2023 Chamber Board of Directors include:
–Gail Farish – Chair
–Josh Bayless – Vice Chair
–Eli Pratt – Treasurer
–Kayse Turner – Secretary
–Robert McAdams – Director
–Averie Grant – Director
–Kim Bishop – Director
Ambassadors are: Bettye Trask, Kate Sherman, Cindy Bolen, Lisa Nichols, Shelby Griffin, Mary Small, Julee Emmons, Natalia V. Marsters, Ve Manning, Jenifer Cleveland, Kirsten Martens, Daniel Stauffer, Kasey Sander, Jessica Corley-Rieves, Patty Pratt, Diane Pullin, Jim Watterson, Jason Walthall, Brenda Finley, Jason Pate, and Kayla Calame.
We are you so blessed to live in a community where people love to give back. We are so proud of this year’s award winners and all those that make our community special.
Thank you to everyone that donated cakes and purchased them! Our auction helps us with events and activities in our community.
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.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PREMIUM SPONSORS: Community National Bank & Trust, Freestone Medical Center, Madness Tires and Rim, CETA, GADCO, Shine Health & Wellness, Texas Towing, and Twisted Vines Event.
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, Brenda & Ashley
(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)
