Chamber banquet cancelled

For the first time in the organization’s history, the Walthall Chamber of Commerce banquet has been cancelled.
Outgoing Chamber president, Fred Lambert, said in light of what appears to be another spike in the COVID-19 outbreak, the organization’s leaders felt it would be better to cancel the banquet, which had been set for Jan. 23, 2021, rather than trying to continue with the meeting and comply with social distance recommendations.
“We realize for many, the banquet serves as the social event for the year, but after much prayer and considering other options we felt it better to not have a banquet in 2021,” Lambert said. “The new officers and directors will be publicized in the media, as will the winners of the annual Chamber civic awards.”
Since the coronavirus outbreak in March, many of the Chamber’s events have been affected. The much anticipated South Mississippi Boucherie was put off until the spring of 2021; the Miss Hospitality selection tea was cancelled with the current Miss Hospitality serving for a second year, the Dairy Festival was cancelled for the first time in its history, the Easter egg hunt and parade were put off until next year and the Christmas parade was cancelled for this year.
“It has been a difficult year for the Chamber. We’ve managed to continue with many activities and we’ve had to put off several until next year,” Lambert said. “In all cases we’ve attempted to comply with the regulations and guidelines suggested by Gov. Tate Reeves, the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.”