Terry McKay of Remax Synergy summed up the feelings of the sell-out crowd on hand for Monday night’s River Falls Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet, after last year’s event was forced to a virtual format by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She surveyed the crowd from the front podium and said, “This is so awesome. People! I love it.”

Athletic jerseys were the attire for the event with the theme of “Tailgates & Touchdowns.”

Chamber Executive Director Russ Korpela talked about the importance of the event and the community successes of the last year.

“We’re becoming the home of breweries, wineries and distilleries, and it’s fantastic,” he said.

Remarking on being able to have the in-person event, he quizzed Pierce County Public Health Director AZ Snyder. “We’re past COVID, right AZ?”

“I certainly hope so,” she replied. A big contingent was on hand from the Freeman Drug family to honor Leah Gavin, whose tireless dedication to her pharmacy business and the community earned her the Citizen of the Year honor.

“I . would like to thank everyone for nominating me for this honor. I’ve been so blessed in my life. I have a career that I love. My wonderful husband puts up with me. My family is so supportive,” . she said. “Freeman Drug turns 150 years old this year. What a wonderful way to celebrate.”

Freeman Drug also was honored with the Small Business of the Year Award in community voting.

Dick’s Fresh Market was the Large Business of the Year.

The Non-Profit of the Year honor went to ARC – Assistance & Resource Center.

Honored with the Chamber Champion Award was Pat Yunker, City of River Falls Public Works Maintenance Lead for his help in making sure chamber events go off without a hitch.

Before announcing Yunker as the surprise award winner, Emily Kovach-Erickson, Chamber Event and Program Manager, said, “This person works long hours, sits through meetings and stays on call during weekends to ensure our success. I remember in a moment of River Falls Days crisis, I called to make sure everything was ready. he said calmly, ‘I don’t know why you’re worried, it’s done.’ Thank you for getting things done, offering advice and making us smile in the meantime. If 2021 was a Super Bowl, you’re the MVP.”

The staff of Freeman Drug and the more than 200 people in attendance at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet gave Leah Gavin of Freeman Drug a standing ovation when she was named Citizen of the Year. Freeman Drug, also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, was also named the Small Business of the Year. Photo by John McLoone.

Dick Rinehart (center) of Dick’s Fresh Market accepted the Large Business of the Year Award.

Photo by John McLoone.

Leroy Larson served as auctioneer at the event, driving up the prices of cakes in the famous dessert auction. Photo by John McLoone.

ARC – Assistance & Resource Center Board Chiarman Sharon Schulze thanked the audience at the River Falls Area Chamber Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet Monday night. ARC was named the Non-Profit of the Year. Photo by John McLoone.

Pat Yunker was honored as the River Falls Chamber Champion at Monday night’s Awards & Recognition Banquet at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course. Presenting the award were Chamber Marketing and Communications Specialist Alexandra Dell (center) and Event and Program Manager Emily Kovach-Anderson. Photo by John McLoone.