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What has historically been one of the highlights of the year in the Brewton area will be celebrated a little differently this year — thanks to a pandemic.

Judy Crane, executive director of the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, said the annual banquet will see some changes, but will still be a time of celebration.

“This year’s event will certainly be a little different,” Crane said. “But we wanted to so something for our membership. We all felt this was the best way to do it this year.”

Crane did say the annual announcement of the Citizen (s) of the Year will still be a highlight for the event.

“We will be honoring our citizen or citizens of the year as usual,” Crane said. “The nominations were considered and that announcement will be made during the evening as usual.”

Crane also said the presentation of the Phillip Ellis and Donnie Rotch awards will also be made to juniors at W.S. Neal and T.R. Miller High Schools respectively.

“We will begin  the evening Thursday at 6 p.m. outside Camp 31,” Crane said. “We will have tents outside and will flow into The Hour Glass so we can spread out a little. We will have some bistro and regular tables set up to allow people to socially distance more so than in the past.”

Crane said those who attend won’t be required to wear a mask, but masks will be available for those who need them.