FOLEY, Ala. – Volunteering in some capacity or another in South Baldwin County is an ongoing tradition for many who think nothing of giving of their time and talent for any number of community endeavors. One such entity is the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Without volunteers, its numerous activities and festivities that range from the Barbecue and Blues Cook-Off and Magnolia Run to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Alabama Festival of Flavor might not be possible.

While those volunteers certainly don’t do it for recognition, the Chamber of Commerce celebrates them with an annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. This year’s banquet is coming up at 5 p.m. July 18 at Oak Hollow Farms in Fairhope. In advance of that, we spoke with Chamber President Donna Watts about the planned festivities.

Q: I understand the party is to celebrate volunteers in Baldwin County. What kind of volunteering is celebrated?

A: We want to thank all our volunteers; from the Board of Directors to the people who help us answer the telephone.

Q: How long have you all been doing this party?

A: I’m not exactly sure when we began doing this, but it’s been at least 5 years

Q: How many people attended last year?

A: We usually have between 100 and 150 people attend

Q: I understand you hand out awards at the party. Could you tell me about them and how they’re selected?

A: We’ve done this several different ways, we just try to spread the rewards around and send as many different people as possible home with something.

Q: Is there a theme to this year’s party?

A:Not anything other than “thank you.”

Q: Is there a cost to attend?

A: No, there is no charge to attend.

Q: Could you tell me more about this year’s party? The food and entertainment?

A: We will be enjoying the great atmosphere and food at Oak Hollow Farm. I don’t know the menu but I do know it will be great.