Local residents have cast their votes for their favorite businesses, public agencies, events and local landmarks this fall. In a spirit of thankfulness for the abundant opportunities and services available within the community, the Bellefontaine Examiner and the Logan County Visitors Bureau today are announcing the winners of more than 70 categories in the 2021 Best of Logan County Contest.
Logan County Visitors Bureau Director Emily Walters and Examiner Advertising Director Bob Chapman said more than 1,000 ballots were cast in the second annual contest that stretched from mid-September throughout October. Participants could submit a paper ballot that was found in the newspaper or weigh in with their opinions through online voting.
“We were really pleased with the many responses we received this year, and are so grateful to everyone who participated,” Chapman said.“This has been a nice way to highlight our community to promote our local businesses to recognize everything they do for us.”
Categories ranged from medical care providers to favorite dining spots, auto repair, retirement communities, grocery and retail stores, home improvement and repair, golf courses, banks and financial institutions, law offices, insurance companies, city and county offices and many more.
Walters related that several weeks ago, she released updated voting numbers for the contest via social media, which spurred a flood of responses from those wanting to make sure their favorite establishments were counted, too.
“We had a big reaction after releasing those numbers. The momentum really started going as businesses shared the contest with their customers,” she said. “It was so exciting watching the votes come in.
“It was fun to see the enthusiasm and support for all that Logan County has to offer.”
New categories for 2021 included the following winners: Car Wash — Magic Tunnel Express; Construction Company — Marker, Inc.; Live Music — The Syndicate; Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Company; Veterinarian — Skyler Winter; and Veterinarian Office — Southgate Veterinary Clinic.
Highlighting some of the new category winners this year included: Credit Union — Honda Federal Credit Union; Casual Dining — Iron City Sports Bar; Financial Planner — Dodds Wealth Advisors; Health Care Provider — Community Health & Wellness Partners of Logan County; Independent Boutique — PeachTree Boutique; Lawyer — Sheila Minnich; Realtor — Kyle Springs; Restaurant — The Flying Pepper Cantina; Salon — Luxe.
In addition to the local business and agency results, some of the activity and tourist spots around Logan County that were selected by voters included these favorites: Art Fair — Indian Lake Fall Festival; Attraction — Ohio Caverns; Bike Trail — Simon Kenton; Community Parade — Bellefontaine Hometown Christmas; Event — West Liberty Labor Day; Fireworks — Belle Center; Hiking Trail and Best Place to See Fall Leaves — Myeerah Nature Preserve; Historic Property — Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek; Historic Landmark — Holland Theatre; Long Weekend Destination and Summer Destination — Indian Lake; and Winter Destination — Mad River Mountain.
Each of the winners will receive a framed certificate to recognize their achievement for being named a county favorite in the contest.
During the next month, the entities also will be recognized through posts on the Visitors Bureau’s and Bellefontaine Examiner’s Facebook pages available at facebook.com/LoganCountyVisitorsBureau and facebook.com/BellefontaineExaminer.
Community members also are invited to share their feedback and new category ideas for the contest next year.