Editor’s note: While writing my own recap of The Townie Awards last week, I received this email submission from an attendee. I think it captures the evening better than I ever could.
For those who missed it, The Townie Awards was last weekend and it was one of the most memorable (and unique) events I’ve attended in town. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect or even how to dress! Upon my arrival it felt like a red carpet event, waiting in a very long line outside our local landmark, the Custom House Maritime Museum, that was lit up like I’ve never seen.
Walking into a wine sampling table, platters of delicious bites, and live music in the background, the mood was festive. But my favorite part of the evening was watching the nominees beaming with excitement waiting to receive their “the best of” awards, like children on Christmas morning. You could feel the jubilee in the air. It was great to see people receive awards who don’t usually take a public stage, and were almost beaming with pride as they got recognition for the first time.
Some standouts were Alyssa Walton from the Starboard Galley, who won Favorite Bartender, and the crew from the Thirsty Whale, now the official “Favorite Local Bar.” My personal favorite was Wayne Cates – a gas station attendant at Kelley’s Service Station – winning Local Legend. Seeing the crowd road with support and applause for Wayne was truly a special moment.
After the event, I thought about how cool it was seeing so many different parts of our community coming together at once. From the team at the Museum of Old Newbury and Hall & Moscow to the rowdy Whale regulars, the crowd itself was the most special part of the night.
That’s when I realized this event was for the town, the everyday people, the hard workers who devote their time to serve the public from all corners of our city, the ordinary folks who gleefully walked away with their plaques. Thank you for all your hard work, it is what every community needs to bind the people. I am so looking forward to next year!