GRANTS, N.M. — Are you ready for Cibola’s most anticipated event of the year?
This Saturday night, the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce is going all in. The 2025 Chamber Banquet, Pearls & Poker, will transform the Elks Lodge into a night of live music, dancing, casino games, local flavor, and heartfelt recognition — a high-profile celebration of Cibola County’s boldest businesses and brightest community builders.
The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. on August 23 at The Elks, 805 Charles St. in Grants, with a Mix and Mingle Hour designed to break the ice and start the fun early.
Attendees can enjoy drinks, conversation, and the first round of casino-style games, all in good fun and for a good cause. Live music from Black Pearl Band will set the tone, delivering highenergy hits that will keep the dance floor buzzing into the evening.
Dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a fashion show from 7 to 7:30 p.m. featuring clothing from local creators and boutiques. Chamber members encourage all local fashion vendors to get involved and showcase their work. “If you're a local clothing seller or designer, now is the time to step into the spotlight,” said Chamber members. “We want to celebrate not just the businesses that support the community, but also the artists, makers, and creative minds helping it flourish.”
At 7:30 p.m., the Chamber will host a special awards ceremony honoring the most impactful businesses in the City of Grants across Greater Cibola County.
This year, in line with the evening’s poker theme, the Chamber is inviting the community to nominate local businesses as their “Aces” in a range of five categories:
• Ace of the Community Award – for businesses that uplift and care for people with heart
• High Stakes Award – for those who took a bold business risk and succeeded
• Wild Card Award – for those who made an unexpected and outstanding impact
• Grand Royale Legacy Award – for businesses whose leadership
shaped the region’s future
• Ace in the Making Award – for small or new businesses already making a big difference Nominations are open now and can be submitted online at: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/DC5YC2Q
The ceremony is expected to conclude by 8 p.m., at which point the evening turns into a full-on party — with dancing, music, and casino fun continuing until 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy gaming tables, raffles, and a chance to win big prizes throughout the night.
The annual Chamber Banquet is more than a night out — it’s an opportunity to recognize the businesses and individuals who support youth programs, sponsor community events, and keep Cibola County thriving. This year’s celebration blends elegance with excitement, honoring both legacy and rising talent across the region.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network with Cibola’s industry leaders at this event. The potential to make connections, friendships, and business partnerships is fresh and Whether you come for the dinner, the dancing, the games, the networking, or the community spirit, Pearls & Poker promises to be one of the most talked-about nights of the year.
For event tickets, vendor inquiries, or prize donations, contact the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce at 505-240-1388 or 505-2857654.