The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet Friday.

The evening, which is titled "USS Dawson Cruise to Italy," will begin at 6 p.m. at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road, with a cocktail hour; followed by a seated dinner at 7 p.m. "with the captain."

A silent auction will be held throughout the evening.

An awards ceremony will pay tribute to individuals and businesses that made a difference in the community during the past year.

Tickets are $65 per person, or $500 per table of eight, and can be purchased from the chamber office or at www.dawson.org.

Attendees are welcome to dress as elegant or as casual as they choose with "black tie optional."

The banquet is the chamber's largest fundraising event. In its 21st year, proceeds will fund the general budget of the chamber for events that take place throughout the year.

Stephanie Mathis, 2011 chairwoman of the chamber board of directors, believes the gala will be a great chance to network and have fun with fellow chamber members.

"It's an opportunity for everyone in the chamber to get together and celebrate our accomplishments of the past year. Plus, the silent auction is a big annual fundraiser for us as well," she said.

Mathis thinks the "USS Dawson Cruise to Italy" theme will be fun for attendees.

"Italy is always a place I wanted to go, as I am sure is similar for everyone else who hasn't, so perhaps we can pretend we are there for a night," Mathis said.

For more information call the chamber at (706) 265-6278.