Several Marion County businesses and organizations were recognized with Best of the Red Rock Area awards this morning. Marion County Development Commission Director Carla Eysink says each year, residents and visitors vote on their favorite food, entertainment, services, and shopping destinations in the Red Rock Area.

KNIA/KRLS Radio was once again voted as the best source for local news, which continues a streak of nearly two decades. In addition to the awards for businesses and organizations, the Top 10 Under 40 were recognized, which is the third year that young professionals living and working in Marion County were highlighted.

Top Ten Under 40:
Jason Bingham – Pella Corporation, City of Pleasantville, Bingham Cooperative
Tyler Christian – Marion County Engineer
Brent Gaulke – Marion County Bank
Dan Huitink – Vermeer Corporation
Mary Mansfield – Home Realty
Josie McKay – Treasured Portraits, Summit Realty, Self-Random Tees
Tyler Pearson – Knoxville Community Schools
Cathy Struecker – Cairn Yoga & Wellness Studio
Hannah Vander Veer – Knoxville Chamber of Commerce
Kris Van Gent – Iowa Bike Company

Top Ten Events:
1. Tulip Time (May)
Thursdays in Pella (Summer)
Pleasantville Pig Out (June)
Red Rock Balloonfest (July)
Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals (August)
Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch (October)
Pella Wine Walk (October)
Knoxville Living Windows (November)
Pella Tour of Homes (December)
Union Street Players (Year-Round)

Top Ten After 5:
A&P Pub
1. Cellar Peanut Pub
The Grand Theatre
Knoxville Raceway
Kone Korner
Liberty Street Kitchen
Peace Tree Brewing
One Eleven Public House
Smokey Row Coffee House
The Wijn House

Top Ten Dining
1. George’s Pizza & Steakhouse
Baggio’s Italian Restaurant
Cantarito’s Grill & Cantina
Checkerboard Rest
Deng’s Garden
Kone Korner
Liberty Street Kitchen
One Eleven Public House
Opa’s Deli at Int’ Veld’s
Yamato Steak House

Top Ten Shopping
1. The Sanctuary
Best of Thymes
Candi’s Flowers & Gifts
Elite Boutique
Embellish
Funky Zebra
Silver Lining
Simple Treasures
Thistles Flower Market
Theisen’s

Category Winners:
Food:
Best Salad – Applebee’s
Best Appetizer – Checkerboard
Best Pizza – George’s Pizza & Steakhouse
Best Coffee – Coffee Connection
Best Ethnic Food – Deng’s Garden
Best Steak – George’s Pizza & Steakhouse
Best Burger – Culver’s
Best Tenderloin – Hometown Meats and Deli
Best Breakfast – Windmill Cafe
Best Dessert – Jaarsma Bakery
Best Family Restaurant – George’s Pizza & Steakhouse
Best Outdoor Eating – Kone Korner
Best Entree with Local Ingredients – Opa’s Deli

Social:
Best Happy Hour – Cellar Peanut Pub
Best Caterer – Central College
Best Date Night – One Eleven Public House
Best Bar – Cellar Peanut Pub
Best Family Reunion – Cordova Park Pavilion
Best Meeting Venue – Central College
Best Wedding Reception – Sun Valley Barn

Lodging:
Best Campground – Howell Station
Best Hotel – Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
Best B&B or Cabin – Cordova Park Cabins

Shopping:
Best Antique Shop – Simple Treasures
Best Women’s Shop – Funky Zebras
Best Thrift Store – The Well
Best Gift Shop – Candy’s Flowers & Gifts
Best Shop for Fresh Meat – Int’Velds Meat Market
Best Place to Purchase Locally Made Items – Jaarsma Bakery
Best Place to Shop After 5 p.m. – Maurice’s
Best Men’s Shop – Theisen’s
Best Kids Shop – Silver Lining
Best Garden Center or Nursery – Nick’s Greenhouse
Best Pet Care – Faux Paws Bakery
Best Graphic Design, Printing, or Photoshop – Ramaeker Screen Printing
Best Floral, Craft, or Decor – Thistles

Entertainment:
Best Live Entertainment – Knoxville Performing Arts Center
Best Historical Experience – Pella Historical Village
Best Indoor Recreation – Knoxville Rec Center
Best Outdoor Recreation – Pella Aquatic Center
Best Hidden Treasure – Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch
Best Public Art – Scholte House Gardens and Sculptures
Best Place to Entertain Kids – Pella Aquatic Center

Community
Best Hospitality – Knoxville Hospital and Clinics
Best Real Estate or Construction – Home Realty
Best Bank, Finance, or Legal Services – Marion County Bank
Best Auto or Auto Repair – Raceway Tire and Exhaust
Best Spa, Salon, or Barbershop – Expressions by Design
Best Source for Local News – KNIA/KRLS
Best Place to Work with Less Than 50 Employees – Marion County Bank
Best Place to Work 50 to 200 Employees – Knoxville Hospital and Clinics
Best Place to Work More Than 200 Employees – Vermeer Corporation
Best Business Supporter with Less Than 50 Employees – Marion County Bank
Best Business Supporter with 50 to 200 Employees – Knoxville Hy-Vee
Best Business Supporter with over 200 Employees – Vermeer Corporation