By KATHERINE ROSENBERG, Editor

LUCERNE VALLEY - Dozens gathered at the Senior Center Saturday night to watch Jerry Bryant, owner of the Lazy Lizard Ranch, be named Lucerne Valley’s Honorary Mayor for 2009.

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce holds the race as a means to raise money for their operating budget, money which goes to supporting office staff as well as to the activities the organization supports such as the Fourth of July Parade and Frontier Days, said Chamber President Lorane Abercrombie.

“This was a very positive experience,” Abercrombie said. “And we had a great turn-out tonight.”

They had a great turn out at all of the events put on by candidates Pam Hardwick, Peggy Roork and Bryant. All said, more than $9,000 was raised at various Bingo nights, barbecues, concerts and dinners, Abercrombie announced.

Of that, Bryant earned $5,200 for the Chamber, for the Chamber, making him the winner, with the help of campaign manager Vickie McKenzie.

Bryant told the Chamber that he “thought it was wonderful and a lot of fun,” to participate in.

“It was a lot of work but I enjoyed doing it and (I’m) glad it’s over. (I) met a lot of nice people. A big ‘thank you’ to the people who helped — I would do it all over again.”

Bryant didn’t give a lengthy acceptance speech, just thanked all who helped and he said he is looking forward to his year as Honorary Mayor.

Roork said that she would never participate again despite how much fun she had. She said it was great seeing how many friends and supporters she had.

Hardwick said that even without winning, she won anyway because I raised money for my community.”

Marianne West has served as Honorary Mayor for the past year and she was in attendance and was honored along with other past Honorary Mayors including Jean Fuqua. The event was catered by Jake’s Smoke House in Victorville and Michael Haskins and Sue Purbaugh performed. Resident Jean Magee also made all the deserts for the large crowd.