Hardin County’s Best celebrated

SILSBEE — The Silsbee Bee hosted its first Hardin County Best of the Best banquet Thursday, June 11, bringing together about 250 people to celebrate the businesses, organizations and individuals voted among the county’s favorites. The event was held at 6 p.m. at Saint Mark Catholic Church, where winners were recognized with banners and certificates throughout the evening. The banquet centered on handing out awards, taking photos and giving the community a chance to celebrate and mingle with the people that make Hardin County feel like home. The full list of Best of the Best winners is published in this edition of The Silsbee Bee. Dennis Phillips, who became the new owner of The Silsbee Bee around this time last year, led the evening. Phillips spoke about taking over the newspaper, becoming more involved in the community and continuing the paper’s role in recognizing the people who help make Hardin County what it is. Guests were served food, drinks and snacks as winners made their way forward to receive their awards from Phillips throughout the night. For many, the banquet was a chance to put faces with familiar names, visit with other local business owners and enjoy a night built around community pride. The evening also included a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Silsbee Little Theater, which helps continue their arts and entertainment. The Silsbee Little Theater is a non profit organization, and one of the longest running dinner theaters in Texas. Winners who would still like to purchase a banner may do so through June 26. This includes those who already received a banner and would like an extra, as well as winners who decided they would like one after seeing them at the banquet. The Best of the Best awards continue to highlight the people, businesses and groups that residents support year after year. Thursday’s banquet gave those winners a moment in the spotlight and offered a reminder of how much local support matters.