In focus: Best of Lewis County celebration was ‘something special’ this year

The Chronicle’s annual “Best of Lewis County” online competition and in-person awards show is as close to the Academy Awards as Lewis County gets.

Unlike the elite Oscars, however, Lewis County votes on categories for a massive variety of businesses, people, events and organizations. This year, from 144 total categories, there were a total of 21,581 votes submitted.

On Wednesday night, McFiler’s Chehalis Theater hosted a huge turnout of Lewis County celebrities, friends, family and competitors. An estimated 300 people attended the event.

Brian Watson, regional sales manager for CT Publishing, the parent company of The Chronicle, has been involved in the annual competition for the better part of two decades, he said.

Watson served as the emcee on Wednesday night.

“This year in particular, there was something special going on Wednesday night,” Watson said. “We’ve had a couple of events since the pandemic ended, and they were fine, but this one was different. The community showed up to support and honor each other the likes of which I haven’t seen this decade. For one beautiful fall night in October, it gave me hope.”

Watson said Wednesday was also particularly special thanks to the McFiler’s crew’s dedication and “incredible” work renovating the theater, which closed in 2009.

He said they have managed to maintain the old building’s “nostalgic vibe” while adding drinks and food, which Watson also praised. 

“Chef James Wheeler served up the fanciest, most delicious sandwich bar and charcuterie board I’ve ever had in my life,” Watson said.

Best of Lewis County, Watson said, is The Chronicle’s opportunity to honor the community we cover. Both the event and the newspaper itself exist thanks to the support of those businesses, individuals and organizations.

A copy of the Best of Lewis County magazine is included with the Saturday, Oct. 21, edition of The Chronicle. A digital copy of the magazine will be available at chronline.com  Monday, Oct. 23.