A team of Plant City’s civic leaders met Tuesday, Jan. 6, and selected the 2015 Citizen of the Year. But the winner’s identity will be kept a secret until it is revealed at the award ceremony next month.
The team of voters comprises certain members of Plant City Kiwanis Club, and presidents of other local civic clubs.
“At the election night, each club who submits their nominee, and later votes, are sworn to secrecy,” Ken Gibbs, one of the event organizers, said. “The winner is only known to a handful of people who coordinate the event.”
Year after year, the winner is lured to the luncheon and surprised with the award. Although the luncheon isn’t until Feb. 11, tickets must be bought by Thursday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $25. To RSVP contact Ken Gibbs at (813) 752-6171.
The first Citizen of the Year was Arthur Boring in 1960. This year’s winner will be the 56th to be honored. Michael Cameron, the 2014 Citizen of the Year, will present this year’s award.
The Red Rose Inn used to host the ceremony, but since it closed in May 2012, the Strawberry Festival Grounds have been the new venue.
“Many of (the festival’s) directors and associates are past recipients, and they have a long history for supporting this event,” Gibbs said.
The award ceremony will start with a buffet lunch. Kiwanis Club leaders will welcome and thank the other participating clubs, and then there will be recognition and awards for Outstanding Youth of Plant City.
“The surprise on the face of the recipients is always a pleasure to see,” Gibbs said.
IF YOU GO
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave.
Tickets: $25
RSVP by Feb. 5 to Ken Gibbs, (813) 752-6171, gibbsrealtor@aol.com
Make checks payable to Kiwanis Club of Plant City, P.O. Box 1179
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.