Boots, claps, and cowboy hats were abundant Friday night as attendees of the 2017 Annual Awards Banquet were invited to Cowboy-Up with the Othello Chamber of Commerce.

Held at the Bethel Assembly of God Church, the banquet attracted a high public turnout, many of whom got into the spirit of the evening by dressing in western attire to go with the cowboy-up theme. Western style photo booths, a reverse raffle, and silent and live auctions were also on the evening’s docket. Wade Farris served as the master of ceremony for the evening.

“I am happy with the turnout,” said chamber manager, Bianca Mendoza. “I think it all turned out well.”

The evening’s event brought in around $26,000, with proceeds going towards the chamber Mendoza explained.

During the banquet, the 2017 award winners were recognized including Shawn R. Logan who was named Citizen of the Year, Dora Mendez as the Civil Servant of the Year, and Columbia Basin Health Association as Business of the Year.

This year also saw three winners for Teacher of the Year as opposed to the usual two winners. The winners for the K-5th grade teachers were Maria L. Vela and Nicki Sams. Raun L. Jensen was awarded in the 6-12th grade category.

Longtime Othello resident, Roger Thieme was also recognized with the Distinguished Lifetime Service award during the banquet.

Four special appreciation awards were also given out to the Adams County Fair Association, the Adams County Livestock Association, Othello Rodeo Association and the Adams County Sheriff’s posse who have been helpful to the chamber and the community of Othello, Farris said.

A big thank you also went out to all of the sponsors and supporters of chamber.