Frontiersman celebrates 'Best of the Valley'

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman celebrated local people and businesses during the annual Best of the Valley Event Oct. 24 at Evangelo’s in Wasilla.

The 2024 Best of the Valley campaign recognized dozens of local businesses and numerous people selected by readers in categories such as food and drink, health, venues, people, recreation, retail and services. During the awards banquet on Oct. 24, seven major winners were announced. The list included Bear Paw River Guides (recreation/accommodation), Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream (food and drink), Mid Valley Greenhouse (retail), Kimberly Allen Bookkeeping (service), Jelly Bean Painting (people and professionals), Palmer Alehouse (entertainment/venue) and Wolf Eye Clinic (health and wellness).

Banquet guests had the chance to win raffle prizes courtesy of Alaska Food Co., Bearpaw River Brewing Co., Borealis Veterinary Clinic, Noisy Goose Cafe, Poppy Lane Mercantile, Three Bears and Tug Bar.

The evening’s grand prize was an overnight adventure package courtesy of Outbound Heli and Alaska Backcountry Adventures and Alaska Backcountry Cottages. Ayla Otto won the grand prize, which was presented by Outbound Heli co-owner Bridget Kelly.

The banquet also featured a costume contest for the Halloween holiday. John and Angie Weaver, dressed as “Lightning strike,” won in the couples division, and Denali Refuse general manager Zach Stanley was first in the singles division.

Stanley was also a featured speaker along with Alaska Food Company’s Cheryl Metiva, who was also the night’s emcee.

Best of the Valley featured three major sponsors: Denali Refuse (gold), Amanda Jensen, First Rate Financial (silver) and Briarwood Farm (silver). Denali Refuse won best trash removal service for the seventh straight year. Briarwood Farm earned the top award for best wedding venue for the third straight year, and best company party venue this year. Amanda Jensen was named the best mortgage broker for the second straight year.

The dinner was prime rib, pasta, salad and desserts from the Evangelo’s kitchen.

Contact the Frontiersman at news@frontiersman.com.