08/03/2019
Third annual Best of the Berkshires showcase draws 1,000-plus and 80-plus "Best of" winners
Eagle Staff Report
DALTON -- Organizers of The Berkshire Eagle’s annual Best of the Berkshires showcase estimate that Thursday’s event drew more than 1,000 people who came to see, sample and mingle amongst 80-plus “Best of” winners.
Now in its third year, Thursday’s attendance estimate made it the largest to date for a Best of the Berkshires showcase, the annual summertime celebration of the winners in the annual poll of Berkshire Eagle readers.
Fredric D. Rutberg, publisher and president of The Eagle, called Thursday night’s Best of the Berkshires showcase a “tremendous success.”
“The Eagle is proud to shine a bright light on the organizations and entities that our readers voted as The Best in the community,” Rutberg said.
“Personally, I was overwhelmed at the size of the crowd and delighted that everyone — visitors, vendors, and the good folks at the Stationery Factory — had such a great time.”
The Stationery Factory on Flansburg Avenue was a new venue for the event, and made for an ideal location, according to organizers.
Planning is already underway for the 2020 Best of the Berkshires event, Rutberg said.
“Based on massive attendance, we anticipate a shuttle service and additional parking for next year’s event,” said Jordan Brechenser, The Eagle’s vice president.
When doors opened at 5 p.m., a line of several hundred people was already queued up. The first 500 attendees received a swag bag stuffed full of goodies from the event’s presenting sponsor, Berkshire Bank.
Inside, attendees indulged in samples, giveaways and entertainment, ranging from chocolates from Chocolate Springs in Lennox to craft beer from Bright Ideas Brewing in North Adams to live music from Whiskey City.
According to Brechenser, one local businessman, Steven Valenti, owner of the Steven Valenti's Clothing for Men, told him it was “a humbling experience to see and talk to so many people.”
The 2019 Best of the Berkshires winners were announced in last Sunday’s Eagle.
The Eagle’s Best of the Berkshires is an annual readers choice voting event in which tens of thousands of ballots are cast in print and online and are then counted to determine the best in a particular category. Categories range from Best Restaurant to Best Plumber to Best Town Official.
The Best of the Berkshires showcase brings winners together with the community to celebrate these recognitions.
