Year 66 chamber gala is called off

The Wise County Chamber of Commerce has cancelled the 66th annual Gala & Silent Auction because of ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, President Pam Collie has announced.

The event previously had been rescheduled to mid-August.

“We feel that it is in the best interest of those who would attend and our community partners to err on the side of caution in canceling the event for this year,” Collie wrote to chamber members and supporters. “We will be conducting a virtual silent auction later in the year, as well as presenting our two awards: Citizen of the Year and Distinguished Service Award. More details to come in the following weeks.”

Collie expressed appreciation for businesses and individuals who already bought tickets or provided sponsorships and said organizers will be in touch soon to discuss those matters.