The Chamber of Commerce hosted the party of the year, possibly even the decade, at their 4th annual Christmas gala on December 2nd! Two years in the making (thank you COVID), the event was planned to perfection; and made me feel as though I had traveled through time to a lively and entertaining era of 100 years ago.
Citizens of the valley – some representing local businesses, others there for a good time, and all dressed in their best 1920’s attire- were greeted upon arrival at the Zermatt Resort by a ‘Moffia’ gangster who presented each individual with a ticket and explained the outline of the evening. Guests were then invited to the buffet tables for an incredible high class dinner that included an oyster bar, prime rib, charcuterie options, and several desserts; my favorite was the white chocolate mousse fig tart. During dinner, the BYU ballroom team showcased a few of their dances in flamboyant elegance.
Following dinner, several awards were presented by the Chamber to well-deserving members and businesses of the community. Roonies Ice Cream was given the Business of the Year award. This local business was a by-product of the quarantine season and has taken off! Amanda Pensis, founder and owner of Boutique 1921, received the CAMS Community Partner of the Year Award. The dynamic duo of Reggan Jastram (owner of Innovative Real Estate) and Nicole Ferguson (owner of Mountain Refined) deservedly won the title of Ambassadors of the Year. Valerie Kelson of Midway was presented with the Wasatch Community Member of the Year award for her dedication and service to the community. She was pleased and surprised with the presentation and grateful to have many of her children there to witness the announcement.
With dinner and awards finished; guests swapped out dinner plates for dancing shoes and traded tickets for poker chips. The next hour and a half or so was a constant uproar of hollers and laughter as round after round of Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette were played. Some people boogied to the sounds of the Heber Big Band, who did a remarkable job performing classic songs by Frank Sinatra and other iconic artists of the 1920’s era.
To wrap up the evening, poker chips were exchanged for raffle tickets and a few lucky participants were awarded with incredible prizes like an overnight stay and dinner at the Black Rock Resort, a hot air balloon ride, or a gift certificate to Sundance. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the CAMS committee, the Zermatt Resort, and all of the local businesses who were present or donated to the incredible evening. I would like to thank them all for creating a memorable experience.
