The Opp Chamber of Commerce is officially accepting applicants for induction into this year’s Opp Hall of Fame.

Chamber director Emilee Gage said the induction ceremony in May will mark the 35th year the HOF has recognized outstanding members of the Opp community through inductions into the hall.

Gage said anyone interested in nominating a candidate for the HOF should keep a few criteria in mind, including: The candidate must have, by his or her actions or achievements, made an outstanding contribution to the city of Opp; must be either deceased, retired for a period of at least three years or be at least 65 years of age; and have accomplished achievements through business, civic, cultural, educational or charitable endeavors.

Gage said a nominee must receive six of the seven votes from the Hall of Fame Committee in order to be selected.

Applications for induction may be picked up at the chamber office at E. Ida Ave. The committee also requests the nominee’s information be thorough, and any newspaper or magazine articles and/or copies of awards be submitted along with the application if available.

This year’s HOF banquet will be held Thurs., May 8 at 7 p.m. in the fellowship center at First Baptist Church in Opp.

The winners of the Business of the Year and Spirit of Opportunity awards will also be named during the induction ceremony.

Gage said the Spirit of Opportunity award is just another way to honor the accomplishments of those in Opp who are dedicated to serving their community.

“We give that award to an individual that has shown commitment to the community, volunteered and just been generally outstanding in their community involvement,” she said.

The deadline to submit applications for the HOF banquet is Fri., March 14. Gage said tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the chamber office. The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony, Gage said, has not yet been announced.