The stars will come out to dance at the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

The Chamber’s 89th Annual Banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Civic Arena in St. Joseph. More than 700 people are expected to attend, said Natalie Leonard-Redmond, vice president of member services for the Chamber.

“It’s the biggest single event that we do. It’s our annual meeting and a gala,” she said.

Retiring chairman Gary Exline of Eagle Radio will provide a year in review of St. Joseph business, and incoming chairman Jim Hausman of Hausman Metal Works/Roofing Inc. will preview plans for 2009.

Throughout the evening, local celebrities will entertain with dance numbers. Each St. Joseph “star” was paired with a dance instructor and chose a dance style and music. Dancers are Rob Calloway, professional boxer; Michelle Fitzpatrick, of St. Joseph Cablevision; Brad McAnally, of Hy-Vee Food Stores; Brenda Shields, of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph; Charlie Shields, legislator and of Heartland Health; and Joyce Starr, St. Joseph city councilwoman.

Judges will rate the dancers, and those attending the banquet also will be able to vote for a chamber choice winner.

Reservations are required and the cost is $55 per person. For more information, contact Ms. Leonard-Redmond at (816) 364-4107.

Susan Mires can be reached at susanm@npgco.com.