FARMINGTON — Celebrating Stars in Business and Community is the theme of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce 2013 Annual Awards Dinner next week. 

The chamber invites members and their guests to the annual meeting, awards ceremony and dinner Thursday, Nov. 21, in the North Dining Hall of the Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. A dinner buffet starts  at 7 p.m. with an awards ceremony and brief annual meeting to follow.

For this year’s dinner, the chamber will show its appreciation to members and supporters with a star-studded Hollywood Awards Night themed event. Awards will be presented to the Large Business, Small Business and Nonprofit of the Year. 

“We received numerous nominations from our members and the public this year,”  Erin Arthers, executive director, said. “There were many worthy businesses and organizations nominated. A dedicated committee had the task of narrowing the list to just three nominees in each category and then determining only one winner in each category. It was not an easy choice, but we are excited to present awards to three very deserving chamber members who continually go above and beyond in their business practices and support of Franklin County.”

Social hour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. with a red carpet walk for guests, a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Aramark. During this time, Alana Ranney of Alana’s Fine Art Photography and Melissa Hurley of Memories by Melissa Photography will take group pictures of guests, both on the red carpet and at a Hollywood-style photo booth. 

Teacher’s Lounge Mafia will provide hilarious entertainment at 6 p.m. The improv comedy group consists of local comic actors Jeff Bailey, Emily Pottle, Dan Ryder, Natalie Simmons, Kyla Wheeler, Gavin Pickering and Alex Kreitzman.

To RSVP, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 207-778-4215 or info@franklincountymaine.org. To view event details and register online, Visit www.franklincountymaine.org. The cost of the dinner is $30 per person.