The Maine Warden Service will hold its annual banquet at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday at the N.C.O. Club in Bangor, where the 2000 Warden of the Year will be announced.

The ceremony will open with remarks from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Lee Perry and Warden Service Colonel Tim Peabody, followed by a color guard procession to pay tribute to the 13 Maine Game Wardens who have fallen in the line of duty.

Other awards to be presented include the Meritorious Service Award, the Legendary Game Warden, and the Exemplary Service Award.