By DANI BLACKBURN

The Nocona Chamber of Commerce celebrated its success and the dedication of its local volunteers with a “Go! Nocona” theme at their 89^th annual banquet Thursday evening.

Erica Patton, chamber president, said the theme is fitting for Nocona which has steered itself where it wanted to go. The president read a famous quote from the Dr. Seuss book, saying:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go…and Nocona is there.”

With the success Nocona has seen in establishing the city as a destination for visitors, Patton presented a new mission statement to the chamber members and encouraged them to become involved giving time to the community.

“We want this to be the best little town in Texas. Something we can be proud of and something future generations can be proud of,” said Patton. “To make that happen, we have to join together and be determined that we will not let our Nocona be any less than what we’ve made it to be.”

David Kercheval was guest speaker. Kercheval is with Go Texan, a program for the Department of Agriculture that promotes Texas made products. Read the full story on the banquet and check the award winners in your weekend News.

Top photo- Chamber President Erica Patton presents Ella Williams with the volunteer of the year award. Vice President Michelle Fenoglio looks on. (Photo by Dani Blackburn)