FAIRBURY, NE — Fairbury honoring some of its own this weekend at the annual Fairbury Chamber of Commerce  Banquet.

The night saw people pack the town’s Elks Lodge dressed up for the Prom Night theme heme to celebrate one another and raise money for a local camp.

Fairbury City Councilman Brian Schmidt received the big honor of the night — the Community Service Award.

In addition to his work on the council, Schmidt helps out with several community events, such as the annual Fairbury Car Show.

"Along with helping to organize the car show, he used his industrial skills to make one-of-a-kind special trophies for the Best of Class [awards]," banquet emcee Trevor Steinmeyer said while reading a nomination letter penned by fellow Fairbury Car Show organizer Mick Suey. 

"In 2020 and 2021, Brian's business, Schmidt Machine, raffled off two beautiful engines that raised a great deal of money. Both those years, Brian and his family donated those proceeds to two local families who had experienced unexpected tragedies," Steinmeyer said.

He’s also took charge of bringing some holiday cheer to the area starting Christmas at Crystal. The Christmas light display at Fairbury’s Crystal Springs Park just wrapped its second year in December.

"The first year he put in many hours with a few helpers and family members to create his vision," Steinmeyer said. "As more people saw what Brian was trying to do, they donated their lights and their time."

The banquet also raised funds for the annual Girls Adventure Camp at Camp Jefferson. The near week-long camp takes place in June every year.

Camp organizer Laura Alsman discussed the benefits of the camp during the banquet.

"Girls Adventure Camp, where every year is an adventure, pushes girls to explore new things in a safe environment," Alsman said. "We push girls to grow and learn in areas of citizenship, social integration, professional development and exploring capabilities."

In the past, Alsman said, the camp has featured a 20-foot rock climbing wall, hot air balloon rides, .22, black powder and BB gun shooting sports, archery, kayaking and canoeing.

The money was raised through a silent and live auction. Some of the items up for grabs included tickets to the Nebraska Spring Game, regular season Husker game tickets, gift cards to Top Golf, and memberships to the Fairbury Country Club and Burke Fitness Center at Jefferson Community Health and Life.

Alsman thanked everyone for their contributions during her speech.