The News Editorial: Chamber banquet fosters sense of community

Nothing like a gathering of 200 people to remind one’s self of why they love living in a small town.

Friday night about 200 people gathered at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center for a dinner, auction and awards ceremony. The event tripled in attendance from its just over 60 who attended the last awards evening. That’s a testament to the board and Executive Director Ruth Dugger and her assistant Liz Bankert.

After a delicious meal and entertainment the awards began. I was busy taking notes and capturing photos of the honorees but it was not lost on me at all the cheers that erupted when the winners were called. Not just courtesy applause, but genuine, excited cheers.

It was a community celebrating itself, excited by their neighbors and fellow business owners being honored.

You can see all the honorees on A9 and a story on the front page that continues on A9.

It makes you feel good when you see people celebrating other’s successes. There was no jealousy, no protests, no pouting, just a strong feeling of camaraderie, of family, of community.

Another “small town moment” came when Chamber President and emcee Bill Fuchs tried his hand at being the auctioneer. Quietly Ed Keller got up and whispered to Ruth Dugger offering his services. Fuchs happily relinquished the microphone and the crowd was entertained by Keller’s excellent and humorous skills as an auctioneer. Ed did not come to the banquet to be the auctioneer but offered a hand because he could, because as a member of a small community that is what you do.

I was visiting with Ty and Debbie Jenkins and Houston and Heidi Johnson of the Lazy T Ranch during dinner and Houston and I discussed small town living and the benefits and quality of life that abounds.

All of the above are just a few of the reasons I like small-town living and why I have chosen community journalism as my profession.

I told Houston I was born and raised in a small town and I will always be a small-town girl at heart, no matter where I live and I could not be happier or more proud to be able to call Worland my home for the past nine-plus years.

I would like to congratulate all the winners, including the nonprofit and service award winners. I would also like to congratulate the board, the sponsors and Washakie Museum for putting on a fine event Friday night.