The thirteenth annual Kicking Horse Country Chamber Community Excellent Awards were Saturday night celebrating the achievements of the community.
The Golden Civic Centre was filled to capacity with members from all over the community gathered together for the event. The event sold out more than a week before the gala as community members were eager to be in attendance to enjoy good food and a fun night.
The event was hosted by EZ Rock’s Chris Cameron and Elite Sound and Light’s Mike Pecora. They kept the audience attentive and laughing as the night proceeded with jokes and great music.
The night began with a cocktail hour along with appetizers. The cocktail hour gave community members the opportunity to interact with each other before sitting down at their tables for dinner and the awards ceremony.
The first awards handed out were the new Golden Top 20 Awards. Ten people under the age of 40 and ten people above the age of 40 were recognized for their excellent community service for many years. In the weeks leading up to the event the community had the opportunity to submit their nominations for the award.
Receiving the Golden Top 20 were: Magi Scallion, Carmen Narancsik, Bill Braisher, Shilo Moulton, Kristie Norquay, Nicole Du Vent, Nate Briggs, Cam Dawes, Beate Sutter, Tyler Mills, Karen Cathcart, Connie Barlow, David Gagnon, Linda Niemi, Peggy Chambers, Vicki Gail, Linda Pecora, Sid Brooks, Charlene Walchuck-Collision and Graeme Kreiner.
The Community Excellent awards followed afterwards. The winners of the Community Excellence Awards were:
Community Recognition Award: Linda Niemi
Home Based Business Award: Beate’s Play Corner
Employee of the Year: Tori Neigel
Family Friendly Business: Jita’s Cafe
Food and Farming Award: Eat Pure Mountain Market
Culinary Excellence: The Wolf’s Den
New Business of the Year: Whitetooth Brewing Co.
Marketing Campaign of the Year: Kicking Horse Ford
Mayor’s Award of Excellence: Interact Club of Golden
Professional Services Award: Golden Optometric Clinic
Retail Business of the Year: Higher Ground Sports
Trade Excellence Award: Hig & Son Automotive
Directors Choice Award: Golden Cycling Club
Business Beautification Award: Dugout Bar & Grill