Nominations open for Best of Columbia Falls contest

The annual Best of Columbia Falls competition officially kicked off this month, with nominations opening Friday, March 6. The friendly competition organized by the Hungry Horse News is a chance to celebrate what makes Columbia Falls and the Glacier Park area special.  

The Hungry Horse News hopes that readers and community members will come together to nominate and vote for their favorites, helping us give well-deserved recognition to Columbia Falls' most loved, hard-working and unique people, places and things.  

Nominations begin Friday, March 6 and will continue for three weeks. During the nomination period, anyone can make entries within several categories including professional services, health, food, outdoors, shopping, night life, the arts and uniquely Whitefish. 

Each of these categories has several awards, giving community members a chance to highlight people like bartenders and insurance agents, and places like gear stores and wine shops.

To ensure your favorite is included, please make a nomination by March 20 at 11:59 p.m.  

After the nomination period, finalists will be narrowed down for the final voting round, which will run for two weeks, from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, April 5.  

During this time, community members can cast up to one vote per day for each award.  

Award winners will be featured in the annual Best of Columbia Falls magazine, which will be published on April 29.  

Nominations, voting, and an inquiry form are online at dailyinterlake.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Columbia-Falls-2026.

Further inquiries, contact Karen Baker at [email protected] or call 406-758-4512.