Golden Hour
Cocktails, Networking, Magic, and the first golden photo moments.
6th Annual Harvest Gala / Golden Jubilee
The Kearney Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the sixth annual HARVEST GALA on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at Tobacco Barn Farm. Celebrating 50 years of impact, this formal affair will showcase, celebrate, and recognize our Chamber businesses. Honoring legacy. Elevating the present. Building what comes next.
Founded in 1976 / Thriving in 2026
Step into an unforgettable evening of golden glamour as the Kearney Chamber celebrates its Golden Jubilee—50 Years of Impact at our sixth annual Harvest Gala! In honor of this milestone anniversary, Tobacco Barn Farm will be transformed into a dazzling celebration of elegance, nostalgia, and fun. Guests will enjoy interactive close-up sleight-of-hand magic with Todd Lamanske, an elevated family-style dinner from Hoffman's Hometown Eatery, the limited-edition Golden Goblet Experience, and a joyful celebration dance party with Elite Sound. Add in delicious dining, memorable photo moments, meaningful nods to five decades of Chamber history, and a few golden surprises along the way, and you have far more than a gala—you have a celebration worthy of 50 remarkable years. Dust off your formalwear, add a touch of gold, and join us for a spectacular night of celebration, connection, and community. Ticket reservations are now available. Sponsorship upgrades also available.
Event timeline
Attire: Black Tie Optional. Formal Attire Encouraged. Gold accents welcome. Sequins encouraged!
Reserve through the event pageCocktails, Networking, Magic, and the first golden photo moments.
A formal opening and a look back at fifty years of Chamber impact.
For 50 years, the Chamber has been about bringing people to the table—business owners, community leaders, partners and friends. Now, for the Golden Jubilee, we invite you to gather around the table and share a meal curated and prepared by Hoffman's Hometown Eatery.
Business recognition, Chamber legacy, and the Business Excellence Awards.
Music, celebration, and a short feel-good dance party to close the night.
Sip / Glow / Celebrate
The Golden Jubilee pairs meaningful business recognition with playful, memorable experiences throughout the night.
Get Your Golden Glow On! Every Golden Jubilee deserves a golden glow! Before the Harvest Gala, join us for a special Golden Glow Party hosted by our newest Chamber member, Golden Hour Glow. Enjoy a fun evening of sipping, socializing, and getting Gala-ready with a beautiful custom spray tan designed to help you shine on the big night. Think of it as the official pre-party before the celebration begins! Details coming soon.
The celebration begins the moment you arrive! Grab a cocktail, reconnect with friends, make a few new ones, and soak in the golden atmosphere as we kick off our once-in-50-years celebration. Golden Hour is your time to mingle, sip, sparkle, and explore some of the special experiences we've planned throughout the evening. Keep your eyes open—you never know when Todd Lamanske, The Magic Dude, will appear beside you with astonishing close-up sleight-of-hand magic performed right before your eyes. Show off your Golden Jubilee style for our Best Dressed in Gold competition, and don't miss your opportunity to claim one of only 50 commemorative Golden Goblets in The Golden Toast. Come early. Grab a drink. Stay curious. The magic of the Golden Jubilee starts here.
Prepare to be amazed as award-winning magician Todd Lamanske brings his signature blend of mind-blowing sleight-of-hand and laugh-out-loud comedy to the Golden Jubilee Cocktail Hour. For more than 30 years, Todd has entertained audiences across the country with interactive close-up magic performed just inches from his guests. Rather than watching from afar, you'll experience the impossible right in your own hands as cards, coins, money, rings, and everyday objects mysteriously appear, disappear, transform, and defy explanation. Todd's engaging personality, quick wit, and remarkable talent have made him one of Kansas City's most sought-after entertainers, with performances ranging from corporate events and television appearances to engagements for distinguished audiences across the nation. As he mingles throughout the room during cocktail hour, expect plenty of laughter, surprise, and memorable moments that will have you talking long after the evening ends. The perfect way to begin an unforgettable celebration of 50 years of Chamber impact and community success.
Raise a glass to 50 years of business, leadership, and community! As part of our Golden Jubilee celebration, only 50 commemorative gold goblets will be available for purchase. For $50, you'll receive a keepsake gold goblet, a celebratory pour of champagne, and entry into our exclusive prize drawing. One of these 50 Golden Goblets holds the key to a brilliant sapphire gem stone as each limited-edition commemorative goblet will feature a unique charm representing one of the Chamber’s milestone years from 1976–2026. Anticipation will build ahead of the Dance Party when we host the official anniversary year drawings, giving you the chance to win spectacular jewelry and major prizes. Several lucky guests will walk away with thrilling rewards, including a stunning sapphire and a $500 gift card generously donated by Etiam Diamonds & Acquisitions, alongside an array of other special gifts from our fantastic local Chamber businesses. With only 50 Golden Goblets available, this limited-edition experience offers exceptional odds, unforgettable memories, and a beautiful keepsake from the Kearney Chamber's 50th Anniversary celebration. Will you be one of the lucky 50?
Pull up a chair—we've saved you a place at The Golden Table. For 50 years, the Kearney Chamber has been bringing people to the table, and our Golden Jubilee dinner celebrates that tradition in the most delicious way possible. Prepared by Chamber member Hoffman's Hometown Eatery, dinner will be served family style, inviting guests to share, pass, taste, and enjoy the meal together. In a playful nod to our founding year of 1976, the menu will draw inspiration from beloved dishes and flavors of the 1970s—reimagined and elevated with a fresh, modern culinary twist. Think familiar favorites transformed into something worthy of a Golden Jubilee celebration. Good food. Shared tables. Great conversation. And perhaps a little nostalgia along the way. After all, some things never go out of style—especially gathering around a table with good people.
What's a 50th Anniversary celebration without a little dancing? Following dinner and festivities, Elite Sound DJ will turn up the energy with a short-but-memorable dance party featuring some of the most iconic celebration songs of all time. From "Celebration" and "Dancing Queen" to favorites from the Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, KC and the Sunshine Band, Michael Jackson, and more, the playlist is designed to bring generations together on the dance floor. Whether you're a seasoned disco enthusiast or simply looking for an excuse to celebrate with friends, colleagues, and community leaders, this upbeat mix of feel-good classics will have you clapping, singing along, and moving to the music. With joyful lyrics, infectious rhythms, and a room full of people celebrating five decades of Chamber impact, it's the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable evening. No dance lessons. No pressure. Just 30 minutes of pure celebration as we honor 50 years of business, leadership, and community in Kearney.
Tickets and table opportunities
Individual tickets, non-sponsor tables, and upgraded recognition packages are now available for the 2026 Gala. An exclusive evening with limited capacity, early registration is strongly advised. Thank you to the following Table Sponsors:
Champagne Club: T7 Custom Sports
Golden Legacy: REMAX Advantage, Bull Run Roofing, Lighthouse Home Care, Kearney School District
Founders Four: United Fiber, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Budget Blinds of Kearney & Excelsior Springs, Academy Bank | Toast for Two: Dream Properties Real Estate, The McAuliffe Group
Premium reserved table for eight, champagne at the table, table signage, web and program recognition, on-screen recognition, and verbal recognition from the emcee.
Reserved seating for four plus table signage, web and program recognition.
Seating for one and the complete Golden Jubilee experience.
Reserved sponsor table for eight with table signage, web and program recognition, and on-screen recognition.
Reserved seating for two with web and program recognition.
A non-sponsor reserved table for eight.
Presented with community support
Event benefactors include Kearney Trust Company, NKC Health, and Tracy Tucker State Farm. Celebration partners contribute the venue, food, flowers, media, photography, entertainment, and golden details.
View 2025 event photosBusiness Excellence Awards
The nominations are in, and now it’s time to help celebrate the best of the best in Kearney Chamber business!
Each year, the Kearney Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards recognize outstanding members who are making a meaningful impact through leadership, service, innovation, dedication, community involvement, and business excellence. These nominees represent the businesses, organizations, and individuals who help strengthen our local economy, support our community, and make Kearney a place where business can truly thrive.
Your vote helps determine this year’s award winners. Please take a few moments to review the nominees and cast your vote in each category.
Winners will be announced at the Golden Jubilee Harvest Gala as we celebrate 50 years of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce and honor the people and businesses helping to shape our future. Voting will close on Tuesday, September 1.
Questions about the Gala?
The live event page has current availability. Chamber staff can also help compare ticket and recognition options.