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Each year, the Suffolk News-Herald hosts a contest where readers are able to nominate then vote for their favorite businesses, people and organizations. The 2022 Locals Choice Awards rounded out this year’s season with a celebration for gold award recipients. Invitations went out via email to gold award winners, who were invited to the beautiful Taylor Ball Room at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Once there, winners were greeted by Suffolk News-Herald staff along with an elaborate balloon arch stocked with a Locals Choice frame and other props to take photos. Guests headed downstairs where they could enjoy delicious small plates and samplings from the gold award winner for best barbecue restaurant,  Mason’s Grill and Smokehouse. Sweet treats were served up from gold award winner for best bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes. Winners also received congratulatory words from Suffolk Mayor Mike Duman.

“The evening was memorable and one that the staff of the Suffolk News-Herald looks forward to repeating in the years to come,” said Lindsay Richardson, Suffolk News-Herald’s Regional Director of Advertising.

The Locals Choice Awards start with a nomination period in late spring, where readers nominate their favorites. The top three to five in each category automatically move to the ballot for readers to then vote on during the summer. Once voting is completed, gold, silver and bronze winners are announced in the fall.