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Speaker announced for Chamber banquet |
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Written by Staff Reports
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Thursday, 14 September 2006 |
For the first time in several years, the annual Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce membership banquet will feature a keynote speaker.
Local cowboy philosopher Stan Johnson, who has kept alive colloquial conversational contractions which have become his trademark through a weekly column he pens for the Sweetwater Reporter, will offer his often-humorous reflections on Sweetwater’s history Monday as the Chamber banquet salutes Sweetwater’s 125-year heritage.
A lifelong resident of Sweet-water and nearby Palava, John-son’s Sunday newspaper col-umns carry the idiosyncratic titles of “Y’Reckon?,” “’Zat Right?” and “J’Ever Notice.” His homespun writings have earned him the most readers of any Reporter columnists according to a recent newspaper survey, and spawned his first book entitled “J’Ever Notice.”
Johnson is a member of the Abilene Writers Guild, and has participated in the Abilene Book and Author Fest-ival.
He has been the subject of a magazine article in Texas Co-op Power, as well as newspaper articles in the Reporter and Small-Town Texas.
A graduate of Sweetwater High School and Sam Houston State University, Johnson has enjoyed a varied career as a teacher, oilfield welder, ladies dress shop owner and real estate broker.
He and his wife, Frances, have two daughters and a pending first grandchild, and Johnson is often accompanied by family dogs Otis Lee and Maggie Mae.
Tickets for the Chamber of Commerce membership banquet are available for purchase through Friday at the Chamber offices, 810 E. Broadway. Tickets are $10 each, and advanced purchase is required.
The theme for this year’s event is a celebration of Sweetwater’s 125-year history, so this is an opportunity for those attending to break out their chaps, bandannas, cowboy hats, boots and bolo ties.
The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Nolan County Coliseum Annex, which will take on a distinct 1881 flavor with heritage décor for the Chamber’s 42nd anniversary. Dress for the evening will be strictly western — no neckties or evening gowns, please. Denim, big belt buckles, cowboy hats, vests and boots are strongly encouraged for the men, and Southern Belle gowns and gaucho outfits are urged for the women.
Bales of hay, hitching posts and buckboards will welcome banquet goers, while the Sweetwater Municipal Band plays familiar prairie melodies.
The Chuck Wagon Gang will cater the event. A surprise focal point will be unveiled at the banquet.
Among the highlights for the evening will be the announcement of this year’s Outstanding Young Citizen, Outstanding Fe-male Citizen, Outstanding Male Citizen and Business of the Year. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 September 2006 )
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