Friends will 'roast' local businessman

SIKESTON - Local businessman Phil Boyer has consented

to be the guest of honor at the Sikeston Area Chamber

of Commerce's annual "Gentle Roast" set for Nov. 29 at

the Sikeston Elks Lodge, 349 Dona St.

"Yeah, they needed a big ol' target so they picked me,

I guess," Boyer chuckled.

The event is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. with the

program starting at 7 p.m.

The identity of the "roasters" - friends and

associates of Boyer - is a closely-guarded secret.

"They won't let me know who the roasters are," said

Boyer. "I wish I did because I need to gather up some

things on them. I don't know what to expect."

Serving as master of ceremonies this year will be Mike

Marshall. "I probably was chosen since I'm on the city

council with Phil and on the Southeast Missouri Port

Authority with him. So I've known him a long time," he

said.

Having been roasted himself several years ago in

addition to having served as emcee for the event in

the past, Marshall has an idea of what to expect.

His duty is to move the program along and to introduce

the roasters who will fling their good-natured barbs

at Boyer.

"I'll keep it moving pretty good," Marshall said. "In

fact, I'll probably be roasting the roasters when I

introduce them as well as Phil."

The wisecracks, zingers and one-liners are all in good

fun. "It's pretty funny - after it's over," Marshall

said.

Several local restaurants and businesses will provide

appetizers and dessert including Dexter BBQ,

Jeremiah's, Rebecca Sharp, Rodchester's, Sikeston

Market Place, Susie's, Wal-Mart, the Meat Shop,

LaBonne Maison and the Malone Avenue Grill.

Tickets for the Gentle Roast are $20 with proceeds

going to the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce. "It

ought to be a lot of fun and they ought to raise a lot

of money - the Chamber could sure use it," said Boyer.

SACC Director Missy Marshall noted the money is used

for the Chamber's Capital Improvement Fund, paying for

such recent improvements as the painting of the

building.

In addition to benefiting the chamber, she described

the event as a time to share fun, food and friendship.

"This is a great opportunity to honor and poke fun at

a Sikeston citizen who has done a lot for his

community," she said. "Phil has been involved in many

community organizations and events and is definitely

showing he is a good sport by being our honored

guest."

Those interested in purchasing tickets can get them at

the SACC office near the airport, from any Chamber

board member, or at the door.

For more information, call 471-2498.