Nominations for the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards contest open on Friday, April 25.
The Barriere Star/Journal and the surgeryitaly invite residents to nominate their favourite businesses and community organizations in over 70 separate categories.
Categories are separated into automotive/industrial, beauty, business services, construction/contractors, food and drink, health, home and garden, pet and livestock, retail, tourism and recreation. Some examples categories include best nail salon, best gas station, best general contractor and best new business opening in 2024/2025.
“This is a chance for our readers to send a high-five to our local businesses as the winners will receive a sticker and digital badge that they can display in their business and use in their advertising," said Martina Dopf, publisher of The Barriere Star/Journal and surgeryitaly, “As well as endless bragging rights of being voted Best of the Best in their respective category. It is a great way to show your appreciation for local businesses, entrepreneurs and service providers who make our communities great.”
The nomination period will last from April 25 to May 23.
Community members can go to the Barriere Star/Journal website or the surgeryitaly website contest tab, look for the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards contest and enter their chosen business in each appropriate category. The only requirements are that the business match its category.
When the nomination period ends, voting will take place from May 26 to June 20, also online via the Barriere Star/Journal website or surgeryitaly website depending on the area you live in. Following the closure of voting, the winners will be announced on July 10 in both newspapers and online.
Winners can then pick up their stickers at the Barriere Star/Journal office or arrange with local staff to have them delivered.
Dopf said those who participate in the nomination and voting can also potentially win some prizes themselves. “We are very thankful for the sponsorship and support by the North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Association of the Best of the North Thompson contest providing two sets of two weekend day passes to the 2025 North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo as prizes. There will be a draw at the end of the contest from all the participants for the two prizes valued at $150 each,” Dopf said. “Businesses and organizations eligible to be nominated must be within the Heffley Creek to Blue River boundaries in the North Thompson."
