On Saturday, November 27, the Coronach Chamber of Commerce hosted their first Christmas Gala.
Although the chamber printed 120 tickets, they were pleased with the crowd of 85.
Sylvia Nelson, Secretary/Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, was thrilled with the outcome of their first event. “We had the most spectacular Christmas Gala, it was designed to be sort of a community Christmas party where you could take your staff or take your friends.”
Round tables with cloth linens filled the Coronach Elks Hall that was lit with Christmas lights.
Winter scenes and Christmas decorations added to the festive feel of the evening.
As guests arrived and found their tables, Jacky Swart sang a collection of her favorite songs.
The crowd enjoyed the music while visiting amongst themselves.
After grace by Kevin Swart, mistress of ceremonies Penny Stenburg started a number of contests to determine the order of eating.
Supper, of chicken and ribs, was catered by Judy Weibe, Connie Swanson and Tammy Clavelle.
Following supper, Jacky once again entertained the crowd with her quick humour and beautiful voice.
A number of games ensued that got most of the crowd out of their seats.
The last in the formal part of the evening was an auction, led by Boyd Stenberg. Members of the crowd bid on a number of donated items, including plants, baskets and a decorated tree.
Proceeds of the evening will go to the Chamber’s Town Beautification Fund. The fund has been used to decorate Centre Street in Coronach, summer and winter; landscaping at the horse area as well as the empty lot on Centre Street.
Although Nelson was not prepared to put a figure to the profit of the evening, she did say that they made a profit. “Everything we make goes back into making the town more beautiful.”
Tables were filled with staff groups, service groups, and couples out with friends or family. Monica Totton and Francis Mlilo attended the event and Totton said, “I really enjoyed the gala, we went as a couple and it was nice to have an opportunity to dress up and go out. The event was very well orchestrated and the food was outstanding. Overall the event was a lot of fun and I definitely look forward to attending gain next year.”
Corby Cairns and Al Furrow were also among the guests. Cairns echoed Tottons feelings, “We went with another couple. We thought the gala was fantastic, very festive. It was nice to have Jacky singing as people were visiting. There was a very ambient feeling. Everyone seemed relaxed and enjoyed themselves. The games were well received and it was nice to see everyone smiling and laughing.”
Cairns continued, “The meal was very good. Overall I would say whomever wasn’t there missed out. Great start to the Christmas season.”
According to Nelson, the evening was put on my the Chamber of Commerce Committee, but most of the organizing was done by Penny Stenberg and Sue Wilson. “Those are the two that did the planning. Neither one of them have executive positions, they were just the committee. You need to give credit where credit is due.”
“It was so well received and people were so pleased with it that I think we probably would have it annually.” concluded Nelson
