There will be not one but several nights to celebrate the businesses in the North Cariboo this year.
Kathy Somerville is the Manager of the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce.
“What we’ve done differently this year is we have 10 categories and we’ve divided it into five different nights. So we have five different dinners and awards, five different speakers, five different ice breakers, just to keep everybody safe. That’s our main goal this year. Because of COVID and all the restrictions we just want to make sure our community is kept safe.”
Somerville says they had part one of five last (Wednesday) night.
“We had the event at the Occidental. The first category was customer service and we did have a tie. We had LRF Contracting and Fraserview Pharmacy tying for that award for this year. We also had community inclusion and McDonalds restaurant took that award.”
Somerville says the response to the change has been very positive so far.
“People have thoroughly enjoyed it. Last night was a huge success, it was a lot of fun. A lot of community spirit was felt in that room. We played a game of jeopardy, and everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves. We have not had one negative vibe on how we’ve had to handle this this year.”
Somerville says there was no way they could have 200 people in a hall at one time this year due to COVID restrictions, and she says this way they’re supporting local restaurants and still being able to have their event.
The next event is planned for this Saturday, October 16th at the Tower Inn.
That will be followed by one on the 20th at The Den by Moonshine Coffee on the 22nd, and then two at Craig’s Table, one on the 23rd and the last one set for the 24th.