VIDALIA — Stories and photographs of historic Louisiana will intertwine with an array of awards honoring Concordia Parish residents Thursday at the annual Chamber of Commerce awards dinner and celebration.

The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

The theme of the event is “The Sights and Sounds of Historical Louisiana,” and the night will feature live entertainment and three speakers.

A general reception will kick off the event at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The chamber’s annual awards will close the ceremony.

Jamie K. Wiley, executive director of the Concordia Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited to see so many active members of the community gathered under one roof.

“The turnout is looking really good so far,” Wiley said. “This is always such a spectacular event, and we would love the Miss-Lou to come join us that evening.”

The categories for the awards include business of the year, businessperson of the year, chamber volunteer of the year, educator of the year and Concordian of the year.

“We’ve received some wonderful nominations this year,” Wiley said. “It was a tough competition when the votes came in, and it was a very close call on several of the categories.”

The event will also feature a silent and live auction for prizes donated by area businesses.

Restaurants from around the area will be preparing food for the dinner.

The Saint Joseph Trio will provide entertainment for the night.

Marilyn Campbell will present a reading of, “Winter Voices from a Miss-Lou Past.”

Photographer Rhett Powell will present a slideshow of a variety of photographs he’s captured over the years.

Concordia Sentinel Editor Stanley Nelson will present stories from the residents who populated the two plantations — Tacony and Black River — before and after the Civil War.

Wiley said tickets are still available but are in limited supply.

The cost for individual reception and dinner is $40.

Attendees can also purchase sponsorship tickets for as many as eight seats.

The event requires cocktail attire.

For more information or to RSVP, call the chamber at 318-336-8223.