West Sound community members and business leaders gathered on June 9 at the Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside to celebrate and cheer on each other’s wins at the Best of West Sound party — the first of its kind for the brand.
The sold-out event commenced around 6 p.m. As guests filed in to check in, they were encouraged to drop their names into a bucket for a chance to win a one-night stay and $100 dining voucher at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort.
In the main gathering space, which offered sweeping views of the Bremerton Marina, tables were adorned with florals from Blitz & Co. Florist and Flower Delivery. Adam’s AV Services provided audio and visuals.
Throughout the social hour, guests chatted, sipped cocktails, snacked on catered bites provided by the conference center, and stopped by sponsored booths from Harvey’s Butter Rum Batter and Illumina Lighting.
Guests also documented the night by having their photo taken by Pavel Verbovski.
Additional event sponsors included Brookside Landscape & Design, Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, Admire Medical Aesthetics, and Lone Star Donuts, which provided delectably sweet parting treats to guests.
Around 6:45 p.m., Josh Dunn, founder and CEO of West Sound’s parent company, Premier Media Group, joined the stage alongside West Sound Editor in Chief Lisa Patterson to greet the crowd and share a few words about the magazine’s journey.
“Tonight is especially meaningful for us because this marks the beginning of a new chapter for West Sound magazine,” Dunn said. “We were honored to continue the incredible legacy built by Dee and Lary Coppola after (Dee’s) retirement, and we’re committed to carrying that legacy forward with excellence, care, and a deep love for this community. … Together with our team (at PMG), we produce award-winning lifestyle and business magazines across the Northwest and Southwest, and we are truly excited to welcome West Sound into our family of publications.”
Following Patterson and Dunn, emcees Bob Cody and Ty Ray, longtime members of PMG’s sales team, joined the stage to get the ball rolling on recognizing the evening’s winners.
Tonight, we come together to recognize the outstanding businesses, leaders, and experiences that make our region so special — all chosen by the readers and community members that know West Sound best …,” Ray said.
Following the winners’ announcements, the event continued until about 8 p.m., when guests began to make their way back home — but not before grabbing their awards, certificates, and a sweet treat on the way out.