WAITSBURG­—Next week is the Waitsburg Commercial Club Awards Dinner on April 12, at American 35.

Since the club could not hold its annual event during the pandemic, it will be three times the fun this year. The club will be presenting awards for outstanding service from community members and businesses for the past three years. The last winners were awarded the 2019 Service Awards for their work in 2018. This year the honorees will receive 2020, 2021, and 2022 awards.

The 2022 dinner is dedicated to the memory of Walt Gobel, who, along with his wife Gwen, served the Waitsburg Community for many years. Walt was Mayor of Waitsburg and Chair of the Waitsburg Celebration Days Committee.

Attendees will be the first served in the new American 35 Restaurant and Bar before their official opening on May 7.

The menu will feature American 35’s amazing artisan pizza and includes salad and your first wine or beer. Entertainment will be provided by Waitsburg resident David Long, owner of Walla Walla DJ, LLC.

Tickets can be purchased through April 11 at https://tinyurl.com/778hza9y.

The 12th Annual Waitsburg Lions Club All-You-Can-Eat Rib Feed is resuming an area favorite. This year it will be held on May 7 at 6 p.m. at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds.

Over the years, the Lions Club has fine-tuned its ability to put on a mouthwatering event into an art. Days of preparation, including the construction of rows of BBQs, great side dishes and desserts, logistics, and ticket sales make this a major labor of love. Don’t miss out on the great food and a chance to see old friends and meet new neighbors.

Tickets are available in Waitsburg at Waitsburg Grocery and Banner Bank, Dayton at Pioneer West and NW Grain Growers, Walla Walla at Pearson Dental, and Walla Walla Electric. They can also be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/4p5cymcm.