Ruggedly costumed attendees who stepped into The Orchard's fairy tale event setting on June 26 were welcomed by singer/guitarist Elai Jacobs' smooth sounds of classic rock.

Harleys roared and about 200 enthusiastic bikers were donned in an array of leather, removable tattoos, boots and bandannas in celebration of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce 32nd annual Installation and Awards Dinner with a theme of "Born to be Wild."

Photography by Albert snapped complimentary photos of the attendees as they posed on a Harley while volunteer bartenders Rebecca and Nick Burnham served drinks.

Then attendees including Darci Castillejos, John and Olivia Barns, Mary Jane Bodnar, Michael Zeoli, Vincent Amatulli, Tony Amatulli, Heather Sanders, Brent Longo, Sheri Wesselink, Ron Sullivan, Chris-Marie Corrales, Art Tyre, Lynn Russell, Art Castillo, Divina Cesena, Rafael Cano, Robbie Motter, and Reuben, Anthony and Tony Falco were served dinner by French Valley Cafe.

Master of Ceremonies Tim Nash welcomed everyone and introduced dignitaries who included Supervisor Jeff Stone; Perris Union High School District Superintendent Jonathan Greenberg; Mayor Wallace W. Edgerton; Councilman John Denver and Councilwoman Darcy Kuenzi.

As night fell, the reflection of tiny lights in The Orchard's pond brought a beautiful backdrop to the stage where Stone swore in the 2009-10 board of directors: Bob Duistermars, Brian Walker, Rick Riegler, Steve Glynn, Paul Wilkinson, Mike Castillejos, Wayne Guglielmana, Judi Burnham, Sue Lopez, Tony Amatulli, Patty Dorati, the Rev. Don Lunday, Tom Powers, Lynnea Dunaj, Joseph Smolinski and Denver.

Next, Mayor Edgerton gave a proclamation to outgoing Chairman Brian Walker for his service to the chamber. Then chamber CEO/President Dorothy Wolons was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from state Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth and a letter of gratitude to the chamber and Walker from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Chairman's Award went to Denver; Ambassador of the Year Award went to Carmelita Rood; Member of the Year went to Castillo Heating and Air Conditioning and Best Dressed (biker) went to Art Castillo. Home Based Business of the Year went to The Basket Lady; Non Profit of the Year went to Menifee Valley Community Cupboard; Big Business of the Year went to Waste Management and it was a four-way tie for the Small Business of the Year, won by Giovanni's Restaurant, Leak Locators-Menifee Plumbing, Brian Walker Farmers Insurance and Menifee Post.

Silent auction winners included Ron Sullivan, who won the Ride Along package; Echo Martin won the Trader Joe's basket and Sandra Aldridge won the Let's Play Golf package. The evening ended with music and dancing.