Chamber plans on boat show in 2008

Despite the low lake levels, the Cherokee County Chamber's Fish Fry and Boat Show was a success. The event was planned to promote tourism, raise funds for the building project, and to promote awareness on the benefits of chamber membership and local businesses.

Special thanks go to the following sponsors: Farley Insurance, Carpet Mart, Nantahala Bank, Kevennie Westmoreland, Appalachian Community Bank, The Longhouse Restaurant and Bar, Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant, and Pat and Don Faircloth.

Thank you to the following for setting up information on their businesses: Smith Power Sports, High Country Canvas & Marine, Appalachian Outfitters, Betsy Lane State Farm Insurance, Carolina Buggies & Golf Carts, Allen Kay Designs, Rose Insurance, Jim Barna Log Homes, Wal-Mart, Sandy's Home Decor and More, Brasstown Computer Services and William's Whimsies.

Entertainment was provided by Tim the Magician and Butterfly the Clown and The Last Rezort. MHS football coach Caesar Campana, and one of his football players, were good sports and provided the targets for the dunking booth.

Thank you to the chamber staff (Tonja Crain, Jessica Wells, Autumn Moore, Rhea Crisp and Ben LeFeat) for all their hard work and volunteers Shawn Lyvers and Ray Kimball. Also, thank you to Chamber Ambassador Jamie Keener, chamber board President Kay Tew, Ambassador Sherry McCollum and Bill Vespasian, and board members Paul Worley, David Liden and David Badger.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event with their attendance and purchasing items in the yard sale.

We hope to bring the community the Second Fish Fry and Boat Show in 2008. We are praying that the drought conditions will ease up and that tourists and residents will better enjoy the county's water recreational sites.

Sande Kimball Executive Director Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce