The Delta Chamber of Commerce is recognizing local citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the community at its annual Hats Off Gala Nov. 13. The South Delta Leader is introducing you to the finalists in the weeks leading up to the event. The fifth of six installments features the Special Events and Tourism nominees.

Through Ana Arciniega’s leadership as the executive director of the Business Improvement Association of Tsawwassen, she developed the idea for free Outdoor Movie Nights.

An energetic, intelligent, friendly and hard-working individual known to many, Ana partnered with close to 20 businesses and local community groups to augment each evening with demonstrations, activities, games, music, dancing and raised funds for service groups and local charities.

The results were almost 1,000 children and adults of all ages attending each night. With such success, Outdoor Movie Nights were repeated this year and now look to be a permanent event for years to come.

Many years ago Chris Read stood with children and parents looking at a Woodward's display, where a miniature railroad mesmerized and enlightened the onlookers.

That memory and the popularity of the movie Polar Express inspired Chris to begin the construction of the “Christmas Express,” a model railroad outside his home in Beach Grove through which he also raised money for charity.

Chris’s gifts to his community are echoed by the many people in his life who describe him as kind and generous, a true friend and always willing to help and always without expectation of reward or recognition.

When Jackey Zellweger put her name forward to chair the 113th Ladner May Days in 2009, the community knew this historical event was in good hands.

Already running two other signature community events, heading a large family of five children with her husband, and having just finished a five-year term as constituency assistant for former MLA Val Roddick, Jackey with her committee stepped up to produce one of the most successful May Day Events with the largest parade ever.

Jackey has donated countless hours over the last 15 years to promoting non-profit and charity events in the community. Her love and enthusiasm to help make Delta an entertaining and interactive community shines visibly through this event as well as many others.