An overflow crowd of more than 300 of local business owners, their employees and customers had flocked to the plush banquet facilities of Gideon Owen Wine Company in Port Clinton on Monday, Oct. 3 to celebrate The Beacon newspaper’s 8th annual “Best of the Best” winners.

There was little doubt many winners owed their award to a customer base that has been loyal to them for many years. Seven winners took home a Best of the Best plaque for the eighth straight year. That included East Harbor State Park for the Best Beach; Sloopy’s for the Best Pizza; Salon 53 for the Best Spa; Alex Morgan Johnson for the Best Real Estate Agent; Huntington Bank for Best Bank; Ala Carte Cafe for Best Breakfast; and Trish McCartney for Best Insurance Agent.

Seven-time winners for the Best Burger were Slaters Food & Spirits; Brands Marina for Best Boat Service and Marina; and The Walleye Festival for Best Festival or Event.

In existence for only five years, the popular Bistro 163 pay-it-forward restaurant was named Best Non-Profit.

Congratulations to all of the winners! Look for many more photos of the “Best of the Best” celebration to be included in print and online in next week’s The Beacon.