Best of the Silver Valley contest is back!

Bragging rights are once again on the line in the Silver Valley as the Shoshone News-Press launches their 2nd “Best of the Silver Valley” contest this weekend!

All are welcome to join in on the fun when the first nomination round of voting goes live on Sunday, July 11 at 1 a.m. Votes can be cast online at bestofsilvervalley.webflow.io/#//. The voting link can also be found at the top of the page as a tab at www.shoshonenewspress.com.

From July 11 to 29, participants are invited to write-in and vote in 54 different categories spread out across eight different sections: Recreation, Sips and Swigs, Chow Time, Shoshone Roots, Health and Beauty, Valley Celebs, Local Business, and Automotive.

The list of categories remains the same as last year's contest and includes favorites such as "Best Hiking Spots" and "Best Local Pub," to "Best Locally Made Product" and "Best Barista."

News-Press Publisher Keri Alexander stresses that it's not enough just to write-in a person, place, or thing during this first round, as only the top 5 nominees with the most votes make it to the second and final round.

"Just because you get nominated by one person does not mean that you're going to make it into the contest — especially if there are more than five nominees in a certain category."

From Aug. 1-8, the second round of voting will begin and have the top 5 nominees in each category battling it out for votes.

Once second round voting has ended, winners will be offered a new 'Celebration Package' to help show off their accomplishment.

"Winners will be able to purchase a wide array of specialty items with the "Best Of" logo like window clings, stationary, stickers, cards, and all sorts of other things!," Alexander said.

The winners of the contest will be announced publicly on Aug. 31 in a special print/online publication and on the Aug. 31 episode of the North Idaho Now podcast.

For more information on the contest or to purchase advertising for the contest, contact the Shoshone News-Press at 208-752-1120 or email Keri Alexander at kalexander@shoshonenewspress.com.

Good luck to all the nominees!