By Rudi Alcott, Mirror publisher

Want to know where you can find the best place to shop, eat or propose in Federal Way?

Want to know who the best waiters and waitresses are, the best school and teacher, and where to get your tires and car repaired?

On March 25 at The Commons mall, you could have found out as the Federal Way Mirror presented its 10th annual “Best Of…” event. This occasion is held every year to recognize all the winners picked by you as readers for 83 different categories ranging from best auto mechanic to best teacher.

Each year, this program continues to grow and flourish, and this year was no exception. We received hundreds of ballots that had to be tallied for a first-, second- and third-place finish. Plaques for winners were produced, and a special section in last Wednesday’s paper listed all of the finalists after the winners were assembled by our marketing and production teams.

Several categories had ties for second and third place, which is amazing considering the number of entries we received.

Prior to the awards presentation, there was a trade show with 50 booths where businesses could meet community members and thank them for their support. This 90-minute event drew a large crowd and long lines for the food tasting and giveaway booths.

None of this would have been possible without the support of you, the reader. Your commitment to filling out the ballots and submitting them is what makes this program a success. You should know that the businesses in our community take this award very seriously. They want to get first place and go to great strides each and every day to make this a reality.

There were joys of enlightenment and even some groans of defeat when the winners were announced. We received several e-mails detailing that the event was “right on” and a “jolly good show,” and some that disagreed while adding who they thought should have won.

Next year, they can pick up a ballot and also vote just like the rest of you.

Mirror publisher Rudi Alcott can be reached at publisher@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.