Local leaders and business owners will gather at Camp Hanes on Jan. 17 decked out in penny loafers and ready to twist the night away at what has become the biggest networking event in the county.

The Stokes County Economic Development Commission will host the fourth annual Stokes County Business Extravaganza on Thursday, Jan. 17, offering business leaders a chance to have fun and get to know each other. The event began as an outlet for local business owners to network and share ideas and information, and the extravaganza will carry on in that tradition again this year.

“It has built every year … It’s a great networking event,” remarked Stokes County Economic Development Director Alan Wood.

The free event is open to any business owner in the county. This year’s theme is “Hop Around the Rock,” a Rock and Roll celebration in the style of the 1950’s. People are encouraged to dress 50’s chic. Food will be car hop approved, and Taylor Vaden will perform live music.

Wood said the event is provided at no charge because it is the county and economic development group’s way of saying “thank you” to businesses in the community. And it is the only opportunity for all of the county’s business leaders to come together at once, Wood said. There they can share ideas and forge lasting connections.

One of the highlights of the event will be the booths, which will be set up around the gym and will feature information about local businesses that run the gamut of what Stokes County has to offer. Wood said there is space for 56 booths, and they have all been reserved. There is even a waiting list this year.

The first extravaganza drew 140 people, and last year there were well over 200. Wood expects to see 300 plus people at this year’s extravaganza. There will be a good mix of business and non-profit leaders, Wood said.

“I think it’s going to be real interesting,” he remarked.

The event will last from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Gym and Conference Center at Camp Hanes. In the past, the event was held in the dining hall, but it has been moved to the gym for more space. People can stay for the entire event or come and go as needed. It is more of a mingling event than a sit-down event.

The event will feature food, gifts, door prizes and live music. The corporate sponsor this year is New Bridge Bank.

Those wishing to attend the Business Extravaganza should R.S.V.P. to Wood by Jan. 11. They can send an email to adwood@co.stokes.nc.us or call 336-593-2496.