EVANSTON — The new year and new decade were greeted with style on Tuesday, Dec. 31, as guests at the Evanston Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve Gala at the Roundhouse were transported back in time to a roaring 20’s speakeasy.

The lavish decorations and couples decked out in 1920’s attire seemed to get most everyone in a festive mood as couples dined and danced downstairs and gambled upstairs throughout the evening. Multiple prize raffles, cash prize drawings and a silent auction, along with the speakeasy casino, provided attendees with varied opportunities to try their luck while also supporting local businesses and the Evanston Chamber.

Local business Dang Good Smokehouse and BBQ provided the meal, which included shrimp cocktail, salad, roast beef, smoked ham, salmon, dauphinoise potatoes and garlic green beans, along with delicious desserts of crème brule cheesecake and chocolate s’mores cake. A “noshes and sweeteasy bar” set up later in the evening offered up late-night snacks as the clock neared midnight.

Décor for the event was also provided by a local business, as Poppy Lane Event Rentals used lighted chandeliers, feathers, beads, candles and more to give the Roundhouse a decidedly 1920’s feel.

At the stroke of midnight, partygoers celebrated with a champagne toast, ball drop and fireworks, before continuing to dance the night away.

Chamber Director Tammy Halliday said approximately 130 people attended the gala. “It was a great night,” said Halliday. “Everybody looked amazing in their 20’s attire.”

Halliday said the gala will continue to be an annual fundraiser for the Chamber, although the 2020 event will not be on New Year’s Eve and is instead scheduled on Dec. 12, prior to Christmas.