POULSBO — For its golden anniversary, the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce is going to do a lot of things retro for this year’s awards banquet.

Like wearing ‘50s style clothes.

And holding a sock hop.

And keeping a tight lip on this year’s awards recipients.

You’ll have to come to the May 8 awards banquet to find out who won, chamber president Kevin Hogan said.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun this year,” he commented. “And if you tell people ahead of time, it kind of takes some of the fun out of it.”

Though in years past, the chamber has named its award winners before the annual event, in its early years, the nominations were a closely-guarded secret. The first person of the year award was given in 1960 and Rangvald Kvelstad’s book “Poulsbo: It’s First 100 Years” notes:

“The choice was always a well-kept, and to the recipient a shocking, surprise. Miss Poulsbo would march up and down the aisles, between the banquet tables, and then suddenly reveal the secret by gently tapping and escorting the person for the podium …”

Chamber Executive Director Jim Martin said in honor of the chamber’s history, the awards will be handled in much the same way.

“It’s going to be quite a celebration and we’re looking forward to having Miss Poulsbo and some of the past chamber presidents there,” Martin said.

The awards banquet, which begins at 7 p.m. May 8 at the Clearwater Casino, will include the traditional award of person of the year, three beautification awards and three community builder awards. It will also include the special golden achievement award.

“It’s a special one-time award for this person who has been selected for having many years of ongoing community service and ongoing support of Poulsbo,” Hogan said.

For the first time ever, the chamber will also give an award for outstanding achievement for a community service organization.

“Each year, one of the service organizations goes above and beyond the call of duty and we’re going to start recognizing them for that,” Hogan explained.

But besides honoring community members, the May 8 event, which begins with a social hour from 6-7 p.m., will be a ‘50s-inspired celebration of grand proportions. Activities include a hula hoop contest, ‘50s outfit contest, a ‘50s dance instructor sponsored by Hill Moving and Storage and classic cars on display. Activities take place in the casino’s ballroom, but Hogan said those who like to game will also have that opportunity at a special event gaming area.

“The $30 ticket is like a $100 value,” Hogan said.

Tickets are now on sale and Hogan said the event usually sells out quickly so he’d recommend interested parties to act fast. Donations are still being sought from local businesses for raffle prizes at the event.

Sidebox:

Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet

May 8

Clearwater Casino

6-7 p.m. Social, 7-8:45 p.m. Dinner and Program, 9 p.m. Sock Hop

Tickets: $30 at Chamber Office

For more information: (360) 779-4999