Winners in dozens of business and service categories unite at the Best of Carmichael gala. The 2024 community contest enthused more than 18,500 voters.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - From church congregants to chiropractors; from rock bands to restaurateurs. They came, they clapped and many of them were honored.

Local merchants and service professionals dressed fancy to celebrate the annual Best of Carmichael contest last Friday. Supporters still scrambled for seats as the La Sierra Center reached near-capacity. In the end, 300 revelers walked the red carpet.

Presented by the Carmichael Times and the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, the contest is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Chamber of Commerce.

Initiated six years ago, the event has garnered more community enthusiasm every year. The 2024 contest fielded 70 categories for 527 contending entities. Voters totaled almost 20,000.

A new category this year rewarded “Favorite Teacher,” California Montessori Project staffer Kardell “Mr. Dell” DeLaCruz with a $400 check.

Photojournalist Susan Maxwell Skinner (center) has been voted “Best Photographer” since the contest’s inception. Event organizer/Chamber of Commerce President Rosie Buck and cartoon hero Deadpool join the 2024 winner.

A glittering door prize included a $1,500 pair of earrings. The donor, Aquamarine Jewelry, was voted “Best Jewelry Store.”

Following dinner catered by Elena’s Kitchen, a dessert auction continued fundraising with fevered bidding for decadent cakes, cookies and pies. Sacramento Supervisor Rich Desmond’s table rejoiced in the supervisor’s $350 bid for the nine-layer carrot cake donated by Lido Café and Bakery.

“This was truly our best Best of Carmichael, yet” reported Carmichael Chamber of Commerce President and event organizer Rosie Buck. “Enthusiasm from the community was simply amazing.”

Sponsors included Buck Family Automotive, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Supervisor Rich Desmond, SMUD, A&A, Carmichael Times, Milagro Centre, Western Health Advantage, Aquamarine Jewelry and Carmichael Improvement District.

More photo coverage and the list of winners will be in next week’s edition.