By Tracy Beard

Solvang Chamber of Commerce

The Solvang Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Awards Banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Root 246 with Aaron Petersen and Kim Jensen as emcees.

Linda Johansen will present the Large Business and the Spirit of the Community awards that evening.

The evening will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by a plated surf and turf dinner, dessert and a live auction. Raffle tickets will be available.

Entertainment will be provided by Scott Topper Productions, the Solvang Conservancy led by director Diane Byington, and the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band led by Kay Dominguez.

Red Carpet “Jubilee” Night in Solvang, Grow Your Community, Think Solvang First is the 2018 theme, selected for its enthusiastic message that reflects the growth within the chamber and in its community.

At the banquet, awards will be presented for Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Winery of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, City Employee of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Most Philanthropic of the Year, the Linda Johansen Spirit of the Community Award, Public Service awards, Tourism Award, and merit awards honoring volunteers from multiple organizations including the chamber, service clubs and other nonprofit groups.

Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased by calling the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, 688-0701.