By Rick Madewell
Assistant Editor

It’s time to get all gussied up for a lot of St. Cloud business people.

Tonight is the annual St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, with Masquerade Ball as its theme, at the Barney E. Veal Center, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee.

Many are expected to show up in 1700s garb and hairstyles, including long, billowy dresses for women and white wigs for men, according to Linda Pinkerton, events coordinator with the chamber, who also will be dressing for the occasion.

“I’ll be wearing something from that time and get my hair done like that,” she said. “I’ve done my research online.”

Those who won’t be in full 1700s apparel and masquerade masks will most likely be wearing suits or evening gowns.

“But I’m hoping to see some white hair,” Pinkerton said with a laugh. “That makes it very interesting.”

The chamber worker said 215 people have signed up to attend the event and eight corporate tables have been reserved. The deadline for signing up to attend has passed.

The annual banquet dates back to when the chamber first formed in St. Cloud in 1926. Its themes change every year.

The list of awards for this year’s banquet are Business of the Year; Volunteer Award; Green Award; Good Government; Industry of the Year; Rookie of the Year; Member Sponsor Award; Business Person of the Year; Non-Profit Organization; Living Legend; Beacon; Chamber Charger; Ambassador of the Year; and Chairman’s Award.