Best Arts/Cultural Event
SPOKANE PRIDE
From its inception in the '90s, when there were only a few hundred attendees, Spokane Pride has come a long way, Executive Director Matthew Danielson says. Back then, "people marched with paper bags [on their faces] because they didn't want to lose their jobs," he says. Fast forward to 2022, when the parade and festivities filled Riverfront Park's Pavilion with an estimated 35,000 attendees. In 2024, around 50,000 attended. Danielson is optimistic about the popularity of the annual June event, which raises visibility and provides support to the LGBTQ+ community. He thinks — hopes — that around 80% of the population believe that "we should love people no matter who they are," he says. "At the end of the day, I think that's what 'pride' is about." (CSz)
2nd PLACE: Spokane Fall Folk Festival
3rd PLACE: Unity in the Community
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Emerge Block Party, CdA
Best Arts Festival
ARTFEST AT THE MAC
When the weather warms, out come the tables, booths and banners announcing that art and craft festival season has arrived for those willing to brave the region's sometimes unpredictable late spring/early summer weather. Hosted by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture on its idyllic Browne's Addition campus, ArtFest at the MAC marks the beginning of summer with a bright, colorful bang! ArtFest is a three-day festival featuring more than 70 local and regional artists handpicked for their excellence and innovation. This year is the festival's 40th anniversary, yet another reason to ready your overcoat (or umbrella or sunglasses) and embrace the arts. (CSz)
2nd PLACE: Terrain
3rd PLACE: Art on the Green, Coeur d'Alene
Best Art Gallery
NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE
The MAC, as the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is known, is more than its beautiful Browne's Addition building and grounds. It's a trusted repository of knowledge and of art and artifacts representing the region's Indigenous roots to its present-day place as a dynamic metropolitan area. It's a jam-packed calendar of arts-centric events, from kids camps to educational programs. And it's more than a single gallery — it's three floors of galleries, all expertly presented to create an unforgettable experience for its more than 90,000 visitors annually, including 10,000 school-age children. For nearly 120 years, the MAC has done more than help keep the arts in our region alive; it's helped them thrive. (CSz)
2nd PLACE: Terrain Gallery; 3rd PLACE (tie): Big City Art Gallery, Marmot Art Space; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: The Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d'Alene
Best TV Weathercaster
JEREMY LAGOO, KREM
You can plan a pretty picnic but can't predict the weather. That's why the smart thing to do is to watch KREM's Chief Meteorologist Jeremy LaGoo on weeknights starting at 4 pm, or as late as 11 pm, to know what the weather's going to be like for said picnic. LaGoo has been telling Inland Northwest residents about the weather at KREM since October 2018. Viewers can also trust that LaGoo — who enjoys outdoor activities including rock climbing, trail running, snow sports and more — will give them the same weather information he uses himself. With over nine years of experience as a meteorologist, LaGoo deservedly has the trust and confidence of many. (VCM)
2nd PLACE: Kris Crocker, KXLY
3rd PLACE: Leslie Lowe, KHQ NonStop Local
VOTER COMMENTS
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Ronald McDonald House Charities
"Helping families in times of need expecting nothing in return. I was one of the families they helped when I had my son and he had to stay in the NICU. Some of the kindest, generous, and most thoughtful people I've ever met in my life." (Dakota W.); "Helping people in their greatest time of need." (Rob E.) 2nd PLACE: Spokane Helpers Network; 3rd PLACE: Union Gospel Mission
BEST ARTS ORGANIZATION
Terrain
"Year-round art galleries and many local annual events." (Meg V.); "Dedication to support of local artists." (Linda W.); "Great artists and their small business incubator program." (Lisa G.); "So good!" (Ursula H.)
2nd PLACE: Spokane Arts; 3rd PLACE: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Emerge, Coeur d'Alene
BEST TV SPORTSCASTER
Andrew Quinn, KREM
"Love his detail and excitement for players and for the teams that he covers. Great personality, plus he's a Zag!" (Carol E.); "Love the Friday night football segments!" (Emma F.); "Always energetic!" (Joan K.)
2nd PLACE: Sydney Berger, KXLY; 3rd PLACE: Jack Wallace, KXLY
BEST BOOKSTORE
Auntie's Bookstore
"I truly am obsessed with this bookstore. I love that they've been around for so long, have the fondest memories growing up going to this store, and I still frequent it regularly!" (Alina M.); "Love supporting local!" (Sherry B.); "Clerks are very knowledgeable; their book choices are on target." (Janet L.)
2nd PLACE: Page 42 Bookstore
3rd PLACE: Wishing Tree Books
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene
BEST TV ANCHOR
Whitney Ward, KREM
"Whitney cares about people and their stories. She delivers the news with poise, intellect and gets at the heart of things. I can't think of a better anchorperson!" (Linda J.); "She's like the older sister to brothers Mark and Jeremy." (Cathy M.); "Good investigative reporting, warm and personable, trustworthy — someone you'd like to know as a neighbor." (Alison H.)
2nd PLACE: Mark Hanrahan, KREM
3rd PLACE: Tim Pham, KREM
BEST AUTHOR
Jess Walter
"Excellent writing and storytelling and just what heck of a GREAT guy — a Spokane treasure!" (Royce G.); "His books transport me. Such a mix of humor and pathos." (Mollie W.); "I loved The Cold Millions!" (Linda S.); "Hometown hero — makes Spokane proud." (Kris P.)
2nd PLACE: Tom J. Bross
3rd PLACE: Sharma Shields
