Dane Mason is Du Quoin chamber's Citizen of the Year

No one expects to be named Citizen of the Year and when it happens, it usually comes with surprise.

Dane Mason, the owner of Creative Scapes owner and a man active in Du Quoin community service, was honored at Wednesday's Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at Du Quoin American Legion Post 647.

"When I first heard, I was shocked and I kinda still am," Mason said a few days ago in an interview at the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce office. "It's been a month or so since I found out and I thought by now it would have sunk in."

Mason, 31, has been nominated for the award by various people for the past three years.

"The nomination was an honor, just for that," he said. "I didn't think I would ever really get it and I'm appreciative."

In addition to owning and operating his landscaping business, Mason has served on the Charity Ball Committee for the Du Quoin Youth Club, Du Quoin Tourism commission board, Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce board, Perry County CEO board and is an active member of the Vision Church.

"I've had a lot of time to reflect and, I think a lot of people who get this award...you don't actually keep track of what you've done," Mason said. "You just do it."

Five years ago, Mason saw the new stage in Keyes City Park was not being used. The park itself was a gift to the city by one of Du Quoin's founding fathers, Chester Keyes, during the 1850s.

Mason went to then-Mayor Rex Duncan with an idea of bringing entertainment to the park and stage. Duncan encouraged him to do so and to work through the Du Quoin Tourism Commission.

Mason organizes and runs concerts and schedules vendors in the park on Tuesdays during the month of July. He also organizes and schedules bands to play on the stage, vendors and other activities for the Fall Festival held in October.

Mason served as the Tourism Commission's vice president for two years, has helped with the Holiday Lights Fair and also scheduled the fair's entertainment at the Exhibition Hall.

Mason is currently a board member for the Chamber of Commerce and helps on the board when needed. He has been in charge of the silent auction at the banquet; helped set up and made table decorations for the Farm-to-Table dinner; is the Merry Money chairman and brought Santa to Du Quoin chamber businesses on Shop Small Saturday.

As a member of the CEO board, Mason has attended meetings, seminars and mentored students.

"In a way, it seems like it's been longer, but then at times it doesn't," said Mason, when asked if it has felt like five years since taking over the park's entertainment. "Mainly just because you learn and every year it gets easier."

Tonight's dinner has the theme of Hawaiian Luau. The event begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. and the dinner at 7 p.m.

The Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce contributed to this report.