Best Bets Forever

Our Opinion/Simply the best

By HPR Staff

Few battles are as hard fought and as exciting as our yearly Best Bets contest. High Plains Reader pioneered the idea of of showcasing the creme de la creme of Fargo-Moorhead, and the idea stuck. Other similar contests have sprung up since Best Bets emerged, but few local awards are as coveted.

Traveling around Fargo-Moorhead establishments, one can find evidence of this excitement. Many restaurants, artists, musicians, and businesses tout their Best Bets award proudly in prominently displayed picture frames, or billboards. Because these awards mean something very special; they mean that the community has spoken. The community is the final arbiter in bestowing the local “Best Bet.” Anyone would want to scream it from the hills like Sally did. “They like me! They really really like me!”

And why not?

It is one thing to take out an ad touting yourself as the best whatever, but it doesn’t mean much unless a whole lot of people agree! In this day and age, people are wise enough to know that the biggest building, or the shiniest ad doesn’t necessarily mean the best work. Consumers are savvy, and HPR’s are some of the most savvy.

Of course, the disappointment for those not chosen is sometimes harsh, but one that should be tempered with the realization that being nominated for such a prestigious commendation by the public is almost as amazing as winning itself. Everyone nominated or considered for HPR’s Best Bets is a worthy candidate for the award.

But the decision-making process this year has been the strongest. Not only did we have an unprecedented number of votes and new voices, we also saw the fiercest battles among those nominated. Facebook was a flurry with ingenious ways of garnering attention and votes for those competing. And it wasn’t just the competitors. Supporters waged fierce campaigns to root for their favorite contenders. In years past, one could only hope to send out emails or call friends for a vote. But now, with the advent of Twitter, Facebook, and the like, the possibilities for getting out the vote are enormous. But it all had to come to an end sometime. And decisions have been made.

By the time you read this, balloting will have closed for choosing Best Bets 2011 winners. We will have had well over 2,000 ballots cast which means the contest truly reflects the minds of HPR readers. And now it’s time to plan the awards celebration.

We invite all candidates and fans to attend the 2011 Best Bets Awards Celebration Thursday night, June 30, at the Howard Johnson downtown Fargo. The event begins at 7 pm outdoors in the courtyard. Then at 11 we move inside the Sidestreet Grill and Pub and continue until closing. Winners will not be announced ahead of time, so you have to show up that night to find out who won the various categories. (Special courtyard room rates for this party, call the HoJo for info.)

Live entertainment includes ALL FIVE candidates for Best Musician, so we can guarantee you an amazing show that night. We also have others performing, so it will be a variety and will be top shelf.

Among those performing on stage (the line-up schedule is not finalized yet) will be: Amanda Standalone, Brooks West, Blind Joe, Michael Pink, Eden Parker, DJ Star IV, DJ Econ, The Fillers, and FM Beatbox. A special guest appearance by Badweather Burlesque will add additional color to the event.

Balloting was scheduled to close today, Thursday, June 16. Earlier this week, there were several categories entirely in the balance, with some separated by only a couple votes, and one tie in a major category. Those results will be etched in stone by the time you read this editorial. But they remain secret until June 30 at our 2011 Best Bets party.

We invite all readers to attend, as long as you are over 21 years of age. There is no cover charge.

We’d appreciate candidates expecting to attend to contact us in advance and confirm they will be there. Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Otherwise, please check in when you arrive.

It’s a great contest and the award recipients truly reflect the voice of our readers. Join us and them in celebration in two weeks at the Howard Johnson, starting at 7pm.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

SIDEBAR:

If You Go:

What: Best Bets 2011 Awards Party
When: Thursday, June 30
Where: 7 -11pm Outdoors, Howard Johnson Courtyard; 11pm-1:30am, indoors, Sidestreet Grill & Pub
Info: No Cover, 21+, cash bar, Special Room Rates Available for Best Bets Party Guests! contact Howard Johnson for more info

Live music and entertainment all night, including ALL FIVE candidates for Best Musician 2011 with HPR’s very funny Mr. Spencer Dobson as EMCEE

Awards winners will be announced at the party, not before.  HPR will publish a special Best Bets 2011 edition July 14 featuring winners in this year’s contest.

Live Music on Stage:

Amanda Standalone
Michael Pink
The Fillers
Brooks West
Eden Parker
Blind Joe
DJ Star IV
DJ Econ
FM Beatbox
Special appearance by Badweather Burlesque