The Marion Chamber of Commerce will serve its annual farm-city appreciation banquet at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Marion Community Center.

The event has been held for almost 40 years. The meal is financed by donations from chamber members.

Chamber president Don Noller said at first it was aimed at bringing rural people into town.

“It was anticipated that the men would eat steak and the women would shop,” he said.

He estimated that as many as 400 farmers attended the event years ago. Now, with less commercial activity in town and fewer farms, the numbers have dwindled to around 250, but the tradition continues.

“It’s to show appreciation to the farmers for all they do for us,” Noller said.