REWARD: A hootin’ and hollarin’ good time honoring the finest of Fairfield, Texas
We knew it was going to be something special, the minute folks began walking through the door.
The annual Awards Banquet for Fairfield Chamber of Commerce attracted a diverse cast of characters on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
There were cowboys and cowgirls, a few saloon ladies, and at least one bandita, managing to hide from several lawmen of the West.
Even a celebrity rancher was spotted in the crowd, who looked like he stepped off the film set of a certain television show.
The Saloon doors opened early to allow attendees to mingle and share stories. Entertainers Linda Robinson and Vince Bush performed several Country & Western favorites as glasses of sarsaparilla were poured.
Following a welcome from outgoing Chamber Chair – Gail Farish, re-enactors from The Old West Chronicles (Trouble) played out a scene with a shoot-out.
New this year was a 360 orbiting camera and photo cut-out boards that allowed banquet-goers to mark the occasion.
Chow Time included a worthy spread with a choice of barbeque chicken or pork chops with applesauce. Both dessert choices of chocolate pecan covered cake and banana pudding were perfection.
And now, for the important recognitions:
City of Fairfield Employee of the Year
Dressed in his Western duds, Fairfield Mayor Kenneth Hughes called this year’s Employee of the Year “a true blessing” who has served the City of Fairfield for 27 years. Congratulations to Wilmer “Bubba” Taylor, Jr.
Community Spirit Award
Described as a happy and warm couple who enjoy people and enjoy life, this year’s recipients are a tremendous asset to the community. They support Chamber events and hosted many of their own, have a big heart for youth, and logged in 2,000 volunteer hours with Texas State Parks.
Congratulations to Community Spirit Award Winners, Debbie and Richard Dennis of Cedar Grove RV Park.
Ambassador of the Year
Called the “heart and soul” of the Chamber, this year’s Ambassador of the Year has a big love for the community, an passion for children, and an irrepressibly positive attitude.
Congratulations to the 2023 Ambassador of the Year, Bettye Trask.
Small Business of the Year
Serving her customers for over 8 years, this small business owner takes pride in supporting other businesses. “Everyone who walks through her doors feels special and loved,” said presenters.
Congratulations to small business owner Brenda Finley of Brenda’s Closet for Small Business of the Year.
Citizen of the Year
History and community involvement seems to be the prevailing theme for activities supported by this year’s Citizen of the Year. She may be found around town supporting the Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield History Club, Freestone County Historical Commission, Jonathan Hardin Chapter NSDAR, and Wreaths Across America.
Congratulations, and great job to the 2023 Citizen of the Year, Diane Pullin.
Civic Organization of the Year
Serving the City of Fairfield and the I-45 corridor, as well as lending aid to their counterparts in Freestone County, the volunteer members of Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department were named Civic Organization of 2023.
Thank you, for everything that you do for our community.
Business of the Year
“Look after your customers, and the business will take care of itself,” said the presenter of this year’s Business of the Year.
Madness Tire & Rim has grown and succeeded because of their support for community and care taken of their customers.
Congratulations, to Michael Suetos, Carlee Crowell, and the Madness Family for earning the well-deserved Business of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Award
“Strong, independent, and likes to drive fast!” was an apt description of this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement married a Freestone County rancher, began here career as an elementary school teacher, and raise four children (who gave her lots of grandkids).
In 1975, she helped start the Teen Center and actively supported the High School Rodeo Association. She co-chaired the first Project Graduation in the late 1980’s. She also served as vice-president of the Fairfield History Club, former president of the United Methodist Women and in 2009, founded the Trinity Star Arts Council.
“Fairfield is a better place because of her involvement,” said the presenter.
Congratulations to Janie Richards, a well-deserved honoree for the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Legacy Award
“Her first job was a diary farmer, earning 70 cents an hour,” said James Grant, as he listed the many things his mother accomplished. She was an honor grad who put herself through college, raised her children, and then went back to college with her son, continuing on to law school.
Linda Grant became a CPA, a Real Estate Broker, a lawyer and was later elected as County Judge.
“What matters to her are the people of Freestone County and her family,” continue James. “Now that’s a legacy!”
Congratulations to the 2023 Legacy Award recipient, Freestone County Judge Linda Grant.
Fairfield ISD Awards
Introducing himself to the crowd was the new Superintendent at Fairfield ISD, Joe Craig.
Having only been on the job for ten days, Craig said he was honored to be the one to present the annual Teacher and Student of the Year awards. “Everyone I talk to has said that Fairfield is Family.”
Awarded Teacher of the Year include the following:
–Elementary Teacher of the Year – Mikki Riffenburg
–Intermediate Teacher of the Year – Shelly Baxter
–Junior High Teacher of the Year – Renae Allen
–High School Teacher of the Year – Katie Wade
This year’s Student of the Year is currently ranked 1st in her graduating class.
A strong athlete, this young lady has been an important member of Fairfield’s State Tournament-winning basketball team, and has competed at State lever in Track & Field.
She has signed with Abilene Christian University where she earned a 4-year scholarship to play volleyball at the college level.
“She’s a great student and athlete, and a better person,” said Superintendent Craig.
Congratulations to the FISD Student of the Year – Avery Thaler.
Best Dressed of the Wild West
The final award of the evening was no surprise, as Shelby and Justin Griffin (at top) were awarded this year’s Best Dressed award.
Cake Auction
Twelve cakes brought in top dollar, as they were auctioned off throughout the evening.
The delicious desserts were created and donated by the following:
No. 1 – Calamity Jane’s Sharpshooter Chocolate Strawberry Cake, made by Charlotte Brantner’s Bakery, and donated by Gail Farish at Creations Flowers & Gifts
No. 2 – Gunslinger, Gambler Doc Holliday’s Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake, made and donated by Charlotte Brantner’s Bakery
No. 3 – Annie Oakley’s Secret Recipe Pound Cake, made and donated by Karen Leidy of Freestone County Times
No. 4 – Miss Kitty’s Beauty Marked Red Velvet Cake, donated by Julee Emmons at Armadillo Emporium
No. 5 – Wild Bill Hickock’s Dirt Road German Chocolate Cake, donated by Julee Emmons at Juls By Jul
No. 6 – Gunsmoked Dark Chocolate with Ganache w/ Mexican Chocolate Mousse & Cinnamon Frosting, made and donated by Megan Hempel
No. 7 – Buffalo Bill’s Bourbon Chocolate Cake w/ Browned Buttercream Frosting, made and donated by Holly Roberson with Twisted Whisk
No. 8 – Billy the Kid’s Six Shooter Strawberry Cake, made by Something Different, donated by Spain and Bettye Trask with Freestone Cancer Support Group
No. 9 – Vanilla Cake with Saddled Up Salted Caramel Praline Filling & Salted Spurs Caramel Drip, made by Twisted Whisk, donated by Little Lady Diggers Volleyball Organization
No. 10 – John Wayne’s 10 Gallon Stetson Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake, made and donated by Dessert by MommaCakes
No. 11 – Wyatt Earp’s Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Belt Buckle, made by Dessert by MommaCakes, donated by Blue Sky Window Cleaning
No. 12 – “Home on the Range” Salted Almond Vanilla Cake, made by Dessert by MommaCakes, donated by Patty Pratt at Freestone County Historical Museum
Thanks to everyone who dug deep into their pockets for this fabulous fundraiser.
Thank You to our Sponsors
A BIG thank you to this evening’s presenter, 2023 Board Member Kim Bishop.
Special thank you to tonight’s entertainers: Linda Robinson & Vince Bush, and The Old West Chronicles (Big Trouble).
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 to 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.
Thank you to our premium sponsors that support us throughout the year: Community National Bank & Trust, Madness Tire & Rim, Freestone Medical Center, Texas Towing and GADCO!
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 responsibility of creating economic success and happiness within our community.
Each of your play a very important role in the success of our community. For your support and kindness we sincerely say, “Thank you so very much.”
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Brenda Pate, and Ashley DeVillier
Chamber Ambassadors
Bettye Trask – Freestone Cancer Support Group, Patty Pratt – Freestone County Historical Museum, Jessica Corley-Rieves – Freestone County Go Texan Committee, Jason Pate – Fairfield ISD & Blue Sky Window Cleaning, Emily Goodson – Rollo Insurance & The Balloon Stylist, Dana Tate – Farmers State Bank, Lisa Nichols, Shelby Griffin – KNES Texas 99.1 FM, Kasey Sander – Fairview Healthcare, Jason Walthall – Brookshire Brothers, Sandra McAdams – Faith Academy of Freestone, Brittany Brown – Freestone County Texas Farm Bureau, Diane Pullin – Fairfield History Club, Cindy Bolen, Brenda Finley – Brenda’s Closet, Natalia V. Marsters – Freestone County Times, Mike McVey – First United Methodist Church, Ve Manning – Freestone Medical Center, LaShanda Marshall – STARR Resiliency Agency, Julie Freeman – Sonic of Fairfield, Kim Bishop – Kat-luca Gunbelts & Tri-County Golf Course, and Russell Gilbreath.
2024 Chamber Board of Directors
Kayse Turner – Chair, Eli Pratt – Vice Chair, Gail Farish – Treasurer, Robert McAdams – Secretary, Averie Grant – Director, Josh Bayless – Director, Mary Small – Director
Karen Leidy reporting.
(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)
