Du Quoin Chamber rings in the holidays with annual party

DU QUOIN - About 40 or so members of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce rang in the holiday season with a celebration at St. Nicholas Brewing Company on Wednesday evening.

"This is something we do every year," said member Bill Rogers, as he waited in line for the buffet meal.

Several members, including Roger Brandt, owner of Name Brandt Creations, were decked out for the season in sparkling sweaters adorned with lights.

Members enjoyed the buffet that included crispy pork tenderloin, chicken Alfredo, bacon Brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes, assorted breads, house salad, and homemade cookies.

Following the meal, St. Nick's owner, Abby Ancell turned on her applause meter as members judged about a half dozen of their own on the best Christmas attire.

After a tiebreaker sing-off of "Jingle Bells," Ancell declared the two finalists in a dead heat. Janet Wolf, in her elf suit, and Doc Holiday with his light-up sweater and dancing hat, each won St. Nicholas gift certificates.

A game of "Dirty Santa" followed with two dozen participants "stealing" gifts.

"The alcohol seems to be popular," said Ancell, grinning, as Rogers stole back two bottles of wine in a Santa suit carrier. He took home that gift as it was the third steal, making it "dead" for the night.

The evening ended with karaoke singing where the nontraditional songs proved to be favorites, especially when Dominos Pizza owner Nick Durch took the microphone for a near-perfect performance of "Welcome to the Jungle."

Durch said he's been doing "that one song" for about 10 years.

"It's just something I like, that I listened to as a kid," he said, exiting the stage to loud applause and cheers.