HOISINGTON — The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce will hold its 64th Annual Chamber Banquet, albeit under a different arrangement. A drive-through soup dinner is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot behind Emmanuel Baptist Church.

“We are once again thinking outside the box due to the pandemic,” said Karen Baldyga, Chamber executive vice president. “So we got creative and decided that a drive-through soup dinner would be a fun and unique format to host this year’s banquet.”

Baldyga said the banquet is the Chamber’s second-largest fundraiser, next to the Labor Day celebration. “In 2020, the banquet hosted its largest crowd in years and, as a result, helped us through an unforeseen difficult year not only for the chamber but our members and the community as a whole,” she said.

This year’s dinner will feature a choice of either chicken noodle soup or chili with crackers, veggies and a cinnamon roll. Cost is $10 per dinner. 

Baldyga also said that because this year’s event will not be an in-person celebration, the chamber will host an online silent auction Feb. 8-12 with items donated by chamber members.

“In the past, a limited number of members have had the opportunity to decorate a table at the banquet where the centerpieces were part of the silent auction,” she said, adding that proceeds from the auction will assist in rasing funds for the chamber.

To place a bid at this year’s online auction, visit www.hoisingtonkansas.com/auction.

“The Chamber Banquet this year is going to be key to helping the chamber continue its work in Hoisington and the surrounding area,” said Baldyga. “Any donation, no matter how large or small, will make a difference.”

For more information, visit the chamber office in Hoisington at 123 North Main or call 620-653-4311 or visit the chamber’s website at hoisingtonkansas.com. Also, follow the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HoisChamber.