Frontiersman celebrates the 'Best of the Valley'

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman celebrated the "Best of the Valley" during its annual awards event and community showcase Sunday evening at Evangelo's in Wasilla.

The 2025 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. 26, seven major winners were announced. The list included Red Valley Services LLC (services), MidValley Greenhouse (retail), Palmer Alehouse (entertainment and venues), Hatcher Pass Lodge (recreation and accomodations), Amanda Jensen-First Rate Financial (people and professionals), Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream (food and drink) and Peak Performance Strength + Fitness (health and wellness).

Jennifer Cicali received the grand prize of the night from pilot Christie Pham of Outbound Heli, which donated an adventure package for two passengers for the grand prize drawing.

There were also raffle prizes courtesy of CrossFit Salty North, Diversified Tire, Krazy Moose Subs, Noisy Goose Cafe, Palmer Alehouse and Poppy Lane Mercantile.

Just days away from Halloween, the event featured a costume contest once again.

CrossFit Salty North (Christy Pierce, Gabriel Pierce, Kerstin Beuhler, Kim Shogren and Emily Pierce) won the group costume contest, inspired by the movie 'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story'.

Linda Jo Klapperich, dressed as 'Queen Bee' was the solo costume contest winner.

Karl Soderstrom, founder and CEO of True North Recovery, served as a keynote speaker. AJ Seims, of AJ Seims Theatre Productions, was the emcee for the evening.

Best of the Valley major sponsors included True North Recovery (platinum), True Care Services (gold), Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream (silver) and Image Home Furnishings (silver).

Contact the Frontiersman at news@frontiersman.com.