TORONTO - The city chamber has set the date for its annual awards banquet for May 28 at the Black Horse Landing restaurant, formerly the north end marina, at 1200 North River Ave.

Awards for citizen, business and organization for the year will be presented, and this year's theme will be "Arts on the River - Celebrating Art From and Inspired by Toronto." The social hour is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m.

This year's speaker will be city native Sam Wellington, author of "In the Beginning There Was the Men's Room," a book describing Wellington's years in the Four Guys, a popular Nashville singing group that appeared for years on the Grand Ol' Opry, according to Heather Steffens, event co-organizer.

"The Four Guys began in Toronto, and they went on to long careers on the Grand Ol' Opry," said Steffens. "During the social hour artists from Toronto will display their artwork."

Prints boasting a Toronto theme painted by local artist Dave Barnhouse also will be on display, along with one available through a drawing, during the event, Steffens added. The event also will be a "sneak preview" of the new restaurant, which will be owned and operated by Severine Petras, Steffens said.

"The dinner will be served from the kitchen staff," she continued, adding dinner will include a field green salad, lemon butter and roasted red pepper chicken, roasted rosemary potatoes and broccoli with lemon butter sauce.

Dessert will include cheesecake with strawberry sauce, she added.

"Of course, the reason for the event is to award the citizen, organization and business of the year," Steffens continued. "A vegetarian meal is available upon request."

The committee for the event includes Petras, committee chairman; Steffens; Melissa Clark-Tice; Sondra Nestor; Ceil Horkulic; Susan Conaway; Bill Hagy; Roxie Williamson; Jay Foster; and John Tetley.

Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. For tickets and information, call (740) 537-4355.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)