CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Business folk were toast of the town when the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and Carmichael Times hosted a "Best of Carmichael" awards gala last week. Winners were decided by votes; applause, certificates and proclamations rewarded victory.

Thirty-three contested categories included professional services, markets, restaurants, fitness centers, non-profits – and many more entities that make Carmichael a business and residential hub. Dominating for member gala attendance, the Carmichael Kiwanis Club took dual awards for best service group and for hosting the annual Taste of Carmichael festival. River City Brewery supped up acclaim for preferred pub and additional kudos for winning most votes overall. Lido Café and Bakery took the cake for best restaurant. The Effie Yeaw Nature Center was this year voted tops for recreation and La Sierra Center (Carmichael Park District) scored as best community center. Eskaton Village rallied votes to secure best senior living. Carmichael Presbyterian was this time heaped with best-church praise.

While many new winners emerged, some old winners prevailed. For the third year, Bel Air #511 was elected best grocery store. Katie Pexa’s Farmers agency was a third-time champion for best insurance provider.

Over three years, the competition has garnered increasing community excitement. Six hundred more voters participated than in 2018, and 163 guests enjoyed the sold-out celebrations.

Raffles and auctions added to the banquet’s competitive atmosphere. David Peterson’s watercolor painting of the Milagro Centre brought a winning bid of $500. In a furiously contested dessert auction, several bespoke cakes brought bids of $200 each. Wine flowed. Victors and supporters rejoiced. In the Milagro Centre’s Patriots ballroom, Carmichael’s business people ate, drank and were exceedingly merry.

See a complete list of Best of Carmichael winners on BestofCarmichael.com