The Durango Chamber of Commerce has tentatively moved its annual awards program, Durango Rocks!, to the last week of March with a virtual program planned.
The event, usually held in the first two weeks of January at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, was postponed and moved to a virtual format in compliance with public health orders that prohibit large gatherings.
Chamber Executive Director Jack Llewellyn said there is an outside chance the event could be held in-person if COVID-19 transmissions continue to decline, but reorganizing it would be difficult.
Still, the chamber has not given up holding a live event if the COVID-19 environment allows, perhaps a socially distant event with limited tickets sold at the Community Concert Hall or an outdoor event.
“The hard thing is that you plan something, and then the virus blows up and you have to pivot,” Llewellyn said.
The chamber’s selection committee already has met, gone through nominees and determined finalists.
The chamber awards Citizen of the Year and a host of other awards to honor individuals, businesses and nonprofit groups for their service to the community during the year.
Llewellyn envisions going to offices of the winners and presenting them their award, swearing them to secrecy and creating a video with them for the virtual show.
“We’re definitely excited to honor those that have shown resiliency and leadership, especially during 2020,” he said.
When the 2022 Durango Rocks! event is held, the 2021 winners will be brought on stage for recognition, he said.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
