The Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce will honor top local citizens during its annual “Community Celebration” set for Thursday, May 1 at the Central Michigan Youth for Christ complex, 2550 W. Cheesman Rd, in Alma.

A social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program and awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

The event will feature “heavy” appetizers, while beer and wine will also be available. This year’s theme is “Bring Back the 90s” in recognition of the chamber’s 31st anniversary since local chambers in Alma, Ithaca and St. Louis combined to form a single entity.

Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased in advance by calling the chamber at 989-463-5525, or at the office, located at 127 E. Superior St. in Alma.

The revamped Community Celebration replaced the annual chamber dinner meeting a few years ago.

The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Alma Order of the Tartan Award, Breckenridge Distinguished Service Award, Ithaca Person of the Year Award and the Spirit of St. Louis Award. All of which recognize a citizen from each community for their contributions and volunteer service.

The 2024 top citizen winners were: Roger Allman, Alma Order of the Tartan: Vinny and Jeff Smith, Breckenridge Distinguished Service; Victoria Thum, Ithaca Person of the Year; and Julie Shimunek, Spirit of St. Louis.

For more details on the Community Celebration visit the chamber’s website or Facebook page.