The fight for the ‘Best of the Teche’ is on

Thomas Edison is considered the father of invention as much as necessity is considered the mother of innovation. Innovation or invention, the intention of The Daily Iberian is to celebrate the best the Teche Area has to offer with an event that is gearing up to be the Best Bash at the End of Summer. 

Themed this year as a blast from the past, the 1950s, 60s and 70s will be highlighted through music by GTO Party Band, decorations and special catering. The rest is up to the best the Teche Area has to offer, and the plans include costumes.

“We already have 482 people who have visited the site and nominated businesses,” said publisher Christina Pierce last week when the website voting procedures went live. “This is huge as we’ve done zero promotion.”

A statement by business writer Catherine DeVrye is one that leadership at the local daily newspaper takes to heart. It reads, “Remember that the six most expensive words in business are: ‘We’ve always done it that way.’ ” 

A paraphrase of the saying pinned on the back billboard near the break room at The Daily Iberian could be, “It’s never been done like this before,” and that is cause for celebration.

Just because something has been done one way in the past, does not mean it will remain the same. Just because it hasn’t been done before is no reason not to try something new.

Who Will Be The Best?

There are 160 potential winners in seven categories for nominations which began online June 1. Daily nominations will run through June 12 and includes four categories for Special Overall Awards, seven areas for Beauty, 45 Food and Drink categories, 17 Lifestyle interests, 22 Home categories, 25 Retail spots and 40 Professional Services. 

If you can’t find somewhere to vote for your favorite people, places and things, let us know and we’ll consider what we’ve missed for next year.

The only obvious choice left off the menu of the Best of the Teche, is a favorite church or religious group. However, with so many categories, they could easily fit into the non-profit organization category, which would also cover the arts and civic groups like the Iberia Performing Arts League or the Rotary Club. 

They could also be considered for Best Place for Singles to Mingle, Best Place to Take the Kids or Best Place to Work. The variety of categories only requires a little creative thinking to provide a slot for anything and everything enjoyed in the Teche Area.

How Do You Vote?

During the next week, visit Iberianet.com and click on the gold bar “Best of the Teche” and pick your favorite in one category or all 160. 

Fill in the information requested starting with the name of your nominee and your contact information before proceeding down the list. Voters will only be able to vote online once a day which should prevent the abuses of duplicating paper ballots — something all contests of this type have experienced. 

Don’t have a computer? 

The library in all three parishes where The Daily Iberian is distributed have free use of computers. If that doesn’t work for you, stop by our offices or call the front desk for assistance. One of the staff will be happy to help the first time. They will still need to register you as the voter, but once the information is in the computer, you will be recognized each time you visit to vote. 

While online or talking with a staff member, you can purchase individual tickets or tables to be sure and join us for the awards night July 28. The Daily Iberian has reserved the Cade Community Center and engaged GTO Party Band to create a retro atmosphere complete with a 1950s diner menu provided by Vern’s Catering. Mini homemade hamburgers, hot dogs and more will delight your taste buds between rounds on the dance floor. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

Pierce has perfected the art of quickly recognizing winners so the audience will be able to celebrate and yet, not miss out on the fun by too much time away from the music.

Cocktails, wine and beer will be available at a cash bar for adults who prefer something other than sodas and ice cream, but a specialty frozen beverage is in the works for soothing the heat from the dance floor. 

Speaking of, just for fun, there might be prizes for the best dancers and costumes — if anyone is interested in becoming part of the scene in a big way. It’s the best way we can think of to celebrate all that the Teche Area has to offer especially with school starting in just one week.

Plan now on attending the Best Bash of the Teche from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 28 at the Cade Community Center. Individual tickets are $40 with tables of 10 for $350. Purchase online at https://tickets.iberianet.com/e/best-of-the-teche.

Don’t forget to nominate daily at Iberianet.com for your favorite people, places and things in 160 categories. After the nomination period is over, subscribers will receive a special insert listing all the nominees. Voting for the winners will then begin online from June 25 through July 10. Winners will not be announced until the night of July 28 preceding the Sunday Best of the Teche insert July 30.

“This area has so many amazing businesses and people that serve as employees, owners and patrons,” said Kristie McMath Hebert,  general manager at Arceneaux Ford. “What better way to honor and recognize them for their everyday achievements and hard work. We are proud to not only sponsor, but to participate.”

Watch for your favorite Teche Area businesses to appear in a Sunday special section of The Daily Iberian June 25 — and make plans to rock at the sock hop July 28. Who knows, you might just be in the Best of the Teche winners circle. See you there.