Best of Northern Nevada 2018
Bam! Here it is—the results of this year’s Best of Northern Nevada readers’ poll. This is our biggest, baddest issue each year. There are a couple of unusual things about this year’s BONN issue. First of all, we tweaked the contest rules a bit. After years of steadfastly avoiding nominations, we had a two-phase contest this year: The first phase was an open ballot where folks could write in their favorite local people, places and things in each of the 300-odd categories. Then, for the second round, readers could vote for their favorites among a select group of nominees comprised of the top vote getters in each category.
I’ve got to say, this little experiment in changing the rules was a total success. We saw larger overall vote totals in every category. People just do better on multiple choice tests. But I’m glad we kept the open primary so the contest remains reader-driven.
Also, if you’re one of those curmudgeons who like to decry popularity contests, pay extra close attention to our editors’ choices this year. Each one highlights a case where we—or, well, at least one or two among us—disagreed with the results of the popular vote. If you want a dominant authority telling you exactly what to do, you know where to come.
About 10 years ago, we decided that every year the Best of Northern Nevada issue would feature the artwork of a different local artist. Jaxon Northon has been on my dream list of artists for this project since the beginning, and I’m excited to feature his work in this year’s issue. He’s a dear friend and probably the best portrait painter I know. I love the work he did for this issue. He took a very personal approach for each category and chose portrait subjects from his personal experience of Nevada history growing up here in the ’80s and ’90s. He wrote brief blurbs about each subject and why he chose to paint them.
He’s going to have the original paintings on display—and for sale—at Chapel Tavern, 1099 S. Virginia St., on Aug. 18. The paintings will be on display all day starting at 10 a.m., but there will be a reception/dance party starting at 9 p.m. Check out the promo on page 40 for more information.
Speaking of parties, if you or your business won first place in something this year, that means you score two tickets to our annual Best of Northern Nevada party. (Additional tickets can be purchased from the RN&R sales staff.) This year, in keeping with our theme of “Old Reno,” the shindig will be held on Oct. 12 at the Elm Estate, 1401 W. Second St., 384-9081, the beautiful historic property, formerly known as the Chism House, over where Second Street meets Dickerson Road. There will be food and drink, music and good times. (I’ll probably do something embarrassing.) If you took home a first-place win, you’ll receive an invitation to the party from someone on our sales staff in the next few weeks. But if you’re chomping at the bit to RSVP, send a “Hey! I want to party!” message to contest@newsreview.com.
A couple of friendly reminders: Winners, if some shady operator calls you up and asks you to purchase a plaque to commemorate your victory, you can just hang up. They’re not affiliated with the RN&R. You get your plaque from us for free at the party just for winning.
Voters and winners: Thank you for enjoying Honest RN&R’s Original Best of Northern Nevada Contest and Miracle Tonic. Accept no substitutes. There are some off-brand imitations out there, with generic names like “Best of Reno.” I don’t know what kind of diseases you—or your computer—might catch if you start messing around with those snakeoil contests. Best to just stay away.
Big congrats to all the winners!
And last but not least: Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to vote—especially if you voted in both rounds. We know you’re busy living your lives, so we appreciate you taking the time to recognize some of the folks around here that make this community the best.