Celebrate the Best

 In some ways October is a bit like January for me. It’s the month in which we publish our annual Best of Augusta issue with the ballot results from our readers as well as picks from our staff and from a group of Aikenites who’ve spent time pondering the best the city has to offer.

The reason October is like January for me is that the Best of Augusta always reminds me of all the many opportunities for fun and food in the city—restaurants, festivals, performances, shops, sports events and outdoor activities as well as a community of people whose talents and generosity are key to defining the quality of life in Augusta. After all the weeks of excitement spent counting ballots, editing copy, viewing photos and discussing winners, I eagerly make a list of all the places and attractions I’ve never experienced and want to try out as well as some of the old favorites I want to revisit. It’s an exercise that keeps me from falling into the far too common mindset of taking the city for granted and one that encourages me to look at places I drive by every day with a new eye and renewed appreciation. I’m also inspired to venture out of my daily routine and experience the ever-changing excitement of the CSRA beyond my own doorstep.

Speaking of changes. We have a very exciting change for this year’s Best of Augusta party. First it has a new name: Best of Augusta Celebration. It also has a new location: Sacred Heart Cultural Center. And while we will miss Fort Discovery and our friends there who helped make this event such a success, we are looking forward to forming new alliances with our long-time friends at Sacred Heart and the Greater Augusta Arts Council, both of whom are co-hosts of this year’s event as well as beneficiaries of the proceeds.

This year’s Best of Augusta Celebration is on a different night and a little later in October than it has been in the past—Tuesday night, October 18th. Not to worry though, all your favorite vendors will be there to help us mark the occasion along with some new faces to add to the excitement of the evening as we continue to define and celebrate the Best of Augusta.

One thing hasn’t changed though. It’s still the best party in town and the absolute “best” way to sample everything that makes Augusta such a great place to live, all under one roof.

I hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------------------

Click Here for Magazine Locations!
Click Here to Purchase Advance Tickets to the 2011 Celebration!