Dozens attended the recent Best of Fair Oaks Awards on January 19th at the North Ridge Country Club in Fair Oaks. Planned and hosted by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the elegant event included honorary dignitaries, delicious food and beverages and a relaxed but anticipatory atmosphere of grandeur.

“The food was amazing and we absolutely loved the event. It was very organized and the venue was beautiful,” commented attendees, award contenders and event sponsors Kati Cotton and Megan Covey of the Art Box. “We sponsored the event because we love our community and want to be a part of it in any way! We were so close to winning and it is for sure ‘on’ for next year! We were honored to be in the top three for Best of Entertainment and Recreation.”

The award winners were voted on by Chamber members, Fair Oaks citizens and readers of the American River Messenger newspaper, owned by Messenger Publishing Group (MPG). Votes were accepted via email and tabulated by the American River Messenger staff. An impressive 442 businesses received votes, and winners were announced during the elegant, well planned event.

“Our 1st annual Best of Fair Oaks was a great success, and we already have ideas brewing for 2017! This special evening was all about celebrating our great little town and putting Fair Oaks on the map,” said Kimberley Pitillo, Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

“We had a vision and ran with it. It was an evening of anticipation, elegance and surprise. I believe that recognition is the key to success. Winners were from all over Fair Oaks and in all types of business. Some were Chamber members and others were not, that’s what made this event spectacular. The Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce is about serving, representing and enhancing business growth and success in the Fair Oaks community and this is exactly what we did this evening,” continued Pitillo.

Attendees were greeted and seated by local 2016 -2017 student ambassadors: Junior Honorary Mayor Joshua Gumacal from Del Campo High School; Miss Fair Oaks Ashley Gaston from Bella Vista High School, Miss Ambassador Fair Oaks Audrey Nunez, also from Bella Vista High School; and Fair Oaks Chamber Youth Ambassador Matthew Mason. The teens did an impressive job representing their community. Each was kind, polite, articulate and confident. The youth were wonderfully dressed for the glamorous event and to be selected, had to go through a vetting process that included oral panel interviews.

Guests arrived dressed to the nines in “fancy business attire.” There were beautiful gowns on ladies, ranging from sequined party dresses to full length evening gowns. Gentlemen came with appropriate suits with ties, with a few holdouts going for California casual. No matter the clothing, the crowd was sociable as new people met and good friends and business acquaintances reunited.

The (literally) red carpet event was emceed by Diana Cralle

Major Chamber Recognition Award Winners

• Volunteer of the Year – Ronda Leuty - Calif. Ave Skin & Body Works
• Business Person of the Year - Roselyn Barbray - Optiva
• Business of the Year – Javita Coffee - owner Dot Boyd
• Citizen of the Year – Penny Howard
• Honorary Mayor - Rachel Griffith - Polka Dot Dinners
• Special Recognition - Jennifer Garets

According to American River Messenger Publisher Paul Scholl, “The event exceeded expectations. They (the Chamber and volunteers) did a fabulous job putting the entire event together. Executive Director Kimberly Pitillo and her wonderful staff were impressive. I’m looking forward to doing it again next year.”

In addition to MPG and the American River Messenger, other sponsors included the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival, LuLaRoe Megan Covey Boutique, the Art Box, Chocho’s Boutique and music by Melonnee Desiree. Professional photography was courtesy of Ryan Griffith.

There were 30 nominees in categories of Restaurants, Fast Food, Pizza, Coffee Shop, Grocery Store, Yogurt Shop, Community Centers, School/Educational Training, Pet Care/Store, Veterinarian, Creation & Entertainment, Salon & Beauty, Health & Fitness, Specialty Shop, Real Estate/Realtor, Bank/Credit Union, Accounting & Tax Service, Insurance, Service Clubs, Churches, Home Business and Event of the Year.

The delectable foods were in part provided by Smokey Oaks Tavern. Co-owner Blaine Santos said their signature smoked in house pulled pork sliders made their way to the beautifully arranged buffet tables.

Another Fair Oaks establishment, Mirabelle European Pastry Café, also contributed sliced cakes such Lemon Blueberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, White Sponge with Fruit Glaze, Carrot Cake, and gluten-free options in addition to an equally tempting array of cookies. “The reason Mirabelle Cafe wanted to provide its pastries to supply the Best of Fair Oaks, is for the love of the Fair Oaks community we share. We wanted to personally cater to our community so that everyone could have a little taste of Mirabelle and the lovely treats we have to offer, according to Mirabelle owner Vincent Bartsch.

The Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce also extended thanks to the very professional staff at North Ridge Country Club, and General Manager Rink Sanford.