The Readers’ Choice Awards are back. The same awards that publisher Gene Lieb coordinated in Los Banos for many years have returned – and now include Dos Palos and Firebaugh nominees as well as those for Los Banos.
The awards, as many long-time local newspaper readers will remember, are designed to honor businesses, schools, organizations and individuals that have gone above and beyond with service to their communities. The Westside Express, under Lieb, is coordinating the 2026 awards.
Readers now have the opportunity, through August 31, to nominate their favorite business, organization, school or individual in a wide variety of categories. Then on Sept. 1, once nominations have closed, readers will have the chance to vote for their favorites.
Later in the fall, once all the votes are tabulated, the winners will be announced.
To see the many categories open for nominations, go to this website: wexreaderschoice.com.
On the website you will find nine general categories: academic, automotive, community, food and beverage, health and fitness, home, professional services, real estate and shopping.
Under each general category are a number of specific categories. Under automotive, for example, are auto body and collision, automotive maintenance and repair, auto salesperson, car wash, oil change, smog, tire stores, towing service and windshield glass/repair.
In most categories, you will find examples of nominees, but if you don’t see your favorite nominee you can add them. You can do this until August 31, when nominations close.
Then you have to remember to return to the website in September to vote for your favorite nominees, in however number of categories you wish.
“I’m glad the Readers’ Choice Awards are back,” said Lieb. “They are a great way to recognize the people, businesses, schools and organizations that serve our community.”
