Judy Martens, the chamber's executive vice president, said, "The theme of this year's banquet, 'A Winter Garden Celebration,' is proving to be just that - a celebration of friends coming together for the evening. People...are coming out in large numbers to buy tickets this year."
Martens credits the success of last year's banquet and the anticipation of this year's speaker, Merve Johnson, University of Oklahoma director of football operations, for increasing ticket sakes this year.
"Regardless of the reasons, the chamber is delighted at the response, and is trying to assure everyone will enjoy everything from the table decorations to the music, and, of course, the food," Martens said.
The banquet will feature a steak dinner and all the trimmings, prepared by Charlie's Chicken. The hors d'oeurvres, which will be served at 6 p.m., and desserts will supplied by Elegant Edibles Catered by Alta.
Martens said the banquet has a record number of corporate table sales this year. Those companies buying corporate tables are Stites Oil Co., Sequoyah County Times, Blue Ribbon Auto Group, Armstrong Bank, Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Sequoyah County Abstract & Title, Choctaw Blue Ribbon Downs, Redbird Smith Health Center, National Bank of Sallisaw, First National Bank of Sallisaw, Arvest Bank, Agent Funeral Home, Valley Land & Title, Cox's Corner Stores, the Grand River Dam Authority, US Lime - St. Clair, McDonald's, Carl Albert State College of Poteau and Sallisaw, Mallory-Martin Funeral Home and the City of Sallisaw.
"Along with these table sponsors, the chamber has been fortunate to secure The Green House and Elegant Edibles Catered by Alta as two other monetary, corporate sponsors who have helped defray the cost of this event," Martens said.
The sale of corporate tables will continue through noon Monday. The cost is $250 for a table which seats eight.
Individual tickets will also be on sale through noon Monday at a cost of $25. "We only have a few tickets left, so please hurry to reserve your seats," Martens said.
To make reservations call 775-2558.
This year's entertainment includes dinner music by Mrs. Rhoda Wilson and Miss Holly Martens, a performance by the Sallisaw High School Jazz Band during the social time, and a silent auction for five footballs autographed by the OU football team.
"The money raised by the silent auction will be used to purchase a television for the chamber office to help market DiamondNet to potential new residents and businesses in Sallisaw," Martens said.
During and after the dinner the chamber will present awards to members. "Many awards and recognitions will be made to those individuals who have given unselfishly through their time, talents and treasures to make Sallisaw a great place to live and raise a family," Martens said.
