Community Unifiers Honored at Annual Banquet

Despite a competitive theme for this year’s annual banquet, the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce honored members of the community who are working toward unity. “DIY Table Wars” was a friendly table decorating competition at Saturday’s banquet. The top prize went to the table sponsored by the City of Willow Springs—“Rockin’ the 80s.” The table featured guitars, a boombox, and authentic 80s memorabilia—cassettes and 45 LPs owned by the City’s administrative assistant, Kim Osborn.

 

The decorations were fun, but what had everyone laughing were the costumes. City Administrator Beverly Hicks was nearly unrecognizable in a big, crimped blonde wig. Police Chief Wes Ellison relived the 80s in a shoulder length wig and a bandana tied across his forehead. Even City Clerk Heather Tooley joined in the fun, though she could not be present: a small cut out of her face, with a digital Cyndi Lauper style hairdo, festooned the table.

 

The 2026 banquet took place at Pine Meadows Venue. Serving as emcee was Marty Spence. The meal—a DIY mac and cheese bar—was catered by Leslie’s Catering.