Fairfield chamber of commerce announces that it will hold its annual awards banquet on Thursday, Jan. 28.

The banquet is at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfield VFW Post 5872.

Honoring Fairfield residents, businesses and organizations is the highlight of the annual event.

Awards given by the chamber are “Citizen of the Year,” “Business of the Year” and “Civic Organization of the Year.” The awards to be presented this month are for service to the community in 2009.

The chamber has distributed nomination forms for the three awards to its membership.

Winners last year were Kevin Benedict, citizen; Luminant Power, business; and Fairfield Rotary Club, civic organization.

A special “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Dr. J.H. Keller who has practiced medicine in Fairfield for more than 50 years.

Fairfield Independent School District also recognizes a top student and top teacher at the banquet.

Last year’s winners were “Youth Citizen of the Year” Ginny Johnson and “Teacher of the Year” Donna Housewright.

Tickets to the banquet are $20 a person and are available in advance at the chamber office or from chamber directors.

The chamber will conduct a live auction and a silent auction, and will give away a $500 cash prize.