The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual banquet on Tuesday, January 26, at 7 p.m. at The Lincoln Center.

The guest speaker for the occasion is author and comedian Darrell Huckaby, who also teaches AP United States History and Current Issues at Heritage High School in Conyers.

A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Huckaby is the author of six books including “Grits is Groceries,” “Southern Is as Southern Does,” and “Dinner on the Grounds.” He also travels extensively across the South, speaking at church, civic, and corporate functions.

Moreover, Huckaby’s syndicated columns appear in a number of newspapers across the state and his special brand of commentary can be heard on the “Moby in the Morning” radio show every Wednesday at 7:35 a.m.

The speaker was born and reared in the North Georgia mill village of Porterdale.

In addition to Huckaby, another highlight of the chamber banquet will be the presentation of the Lincolnton Lincoln County Community Service Awards, which include “Public Safety Officer of the Year,” “Teacher of the Year,” the “Fireman of the Year” for each volunteer fire department, and “Business of the Year.”

Other groups and individuals who will be recognized during the course of the evening are Jerry Stone, grand marshal of the 2009 Lincolnton Christmas Parade; the 2009 Chamber Board of Directors; the “Director of the Year;” and the new directors for 2010.

Tickets for the banquet are $15 each and may be purchased at the chamber office, located in the Blanchard House at 112 N. Wash- ington Street, or from any chamber director.

Furthermore, tables for six to eight persons may be reserved by calling the chamber office at 706-359-7970.

The deadline is Thursday, January 21, at 5 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend.