It’s been three years since the Central Kitsap Reporter first launched its Best of Central Kitsap awards and like a fine wine, it gets better each year.

Not only is it our way of showing our gratitude to the community members and businesses that make this a great place to live, but it’s one more way to provide readers with a public forum. With 55 categories open for nominations, we received a variety of potential winners, allowing our readers to cast votes for their top choices. In another successful turnout, the community gathered at Kitsap Mall’s Center Court Wednesday evening to recognize the best of the best.

We saw many return winners like Silver City Restaurant and Brewery, Outback Steakhouse and Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café. We also saw new winners including Firestone and Anytime Fitness. The introduction of new categories allowed us to recognize people like Tex Lewis for Best Community Member and Kevin Moran for Best Attorney.

In a time of uncertainty, it is promising to see the community unite to show its support to the people and businesses that strive to provide top-notch service to the residents of Central Kitsap. Congratulations to all the winners as well as those nominated.

To check out a complete list of all the winners, see the insert in today’s Central Kitsap Reporter.