Members of the Lunenburg Chamber of Commerce are setting plans in motion for this year’s cantata concert, expected to take place during the holiday season.

“I’m happy to say it’s going to happen this year,” Chamber President Mel Payne said during a chamber meeting Thursday. “We’ve got all the wheels rolling ina the right direction.”

He noted the plans for the cantata last year didn’t work out, citing factors outside of the chamber’s control, including scheduling conflicts with the venue and the program director becoming ill.

Pat Israel will head the committee in charge of the cantata, Payne said.

During the meeting, Cantaata Director Reginald Davis spoke abouta the upcoming event.

Davis grew up in Lunenburg, studied music and went on to work in New York before returning to Lunenburg, where he served as director of administrative services among other positions at Lunenburg County Public Schools.

“I’m excited about this,” Davis said as he addressed the chamber, noting that the county held a similar concert years ago. “With your publicity and asking the

community to become involved, we can get it going.”

The original location was set for Central High School, but Davis and the chamber favored Central Middle School’s gym, which they said had more space for the audience and choir members and the sound system being out of the way of the stage.   

Payne said the chamber would send fliers to area churches.

He said he was thankful and excited to have Davis on board, noting his experience.

“I’m so happy to have him on board with us and so thankful that he has volunteered his time with us to make this thing happen,” Payne said. He noted that anyone, regardless of affiliation with a church congregation, could participate.

The chamber will hold a meeting Aug. 26 at the Kenbridge Community Center for those who want to join the cantata.

Chamber Vice President Mike Hankins noted that the cantata would be a commitment, and that there would be rehearsals a few days every week up prior to the show.

Including the choir members and audience, there could be up to 300 participants at the show, Payne said.

The chamber agreed to not charge an admission fee but take up a love offering as admission.

The organization that the proceeds could benefit remains under discussion, though Lunenburg Health Services, Lunenburg Ministries the area Salvation Army were mentioned as potential benefactors.

One chamber member cited possible limitations to parking at Central Middle, which would also be under discussion.

“I know last year we disappointed a whole lot of people,” Payne said, who hoped the event could be annual and unite people.

“And I believe this is going to be a huge, huge thing.”

For more information about the event, call Payne at (434) 696-3626.