Getting ready for the Best of Citrus Heights Awards are, from left, Renee Larscheid, chamber membership director and office administrator, and Sheri Merrick, executive director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Tom Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It’s time for the 20th annual 2025 Best of Citrus Heights annual awards.

“This is one of our most exciting events of the year,” said Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick. “It’s a true community celebration and a chance to recognize the businesses and people that help our city shine and to come together for an evening of fun and connection.”

The annual Best of Citrus Heights awards presented by Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center and co-sponsored by the Citrus Heights Chamber and the Citrus Heights Messenger, recognizes the top businesses, organizations and individuals which make the city a vibrant and a thriving community.

Public voting will open on Tuesday, July 1 at BestofCitrusHeights.org and will run through July 31, giving residents the opportunity to cast their votes across more than 40 different categories, from favorite restaurants to local service providers, entertainment venues and more, Merrick said.

It takes a click of the button to show your appreciation for your favorite Citrus Heights businesses, places and organizations.

Categories range from Best Accounting and Tax Services to Best Community Association, Best Entertainment Venue, Best Restaurant, Best Veterinarian and Pet Services to Best Waste Collective Services.

All Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce members are automatically nominated for a Best of Citrus Heights Award by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, Merrick said.

Once the votes are tallied, it’s time to dust off your boots, cowboy hats and all things “bling” to enjoy a fast-paced evening of fun at the chamber’s highly-anticipated Best of Citrus Heights awards celebration on Aug. 21 from 5:30 o 8:30 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive.

Guests at the “Boots and Bling” themed event will enjoy a special live performance by Nashville recording artist Cynthia Renee; a fun and festive AI photo booth; an exciting dessert run, fabulous door prizes and a delicious barbecue dinner included with their ticket.

The event headliner is Sacramento-area singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist Renee. Known for her heartfelt vocals and authentic songwriting, Renee has become a celebrated name in the modern country music scene. 

Renee has proudly performed the National Anthem at high-profile events, including NBA Sacramento Kings games, NASCAR races and the National World of Outlaws series. She is also a familiar face at premier entertainment venues, regularly performing at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Red Hawk Casino, Sky River Casino and El Dorado Casino in Reno.

“Last year’s Best of Citrus Heights was amazing,” Merrick said.

The number of votes topped 7,000 last year and the sold-out awards celebration had its highest attendance in the event’s 20-year history, with more than 250 attendees, according to Merrick.

“We’re anticipating a sell-out again this year and urge the public to purchase their tickets early,” Merrick said.

It’s time for the 20th annual 2025 Best of Citrus Heights annual awards. Logo provided by the Citrus Heights Chamber

Advance event tickets are now on sale, with special early bird pricing through July 31. The cost per ticket is $55 for chamber members and $65 for non-members. Individual event tickets will increase by $10, starting on Aug. 1. For additional event and ticket information, visit www.chamber.com.

It has also been a vibrant year so far for the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, which has seen its membership grow by 35 new members this year, up 10 percent from 2024, Merrick said.

“We’ve also seen a 25 percent increase in the number of public ribbon cuttings over last year,” Merrick said. “In addition, more chamber members are utilizing the value-added features on its revamped website, including an events calendar to promote their upcoming events to both engage the public and grow their businesses.”

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the economic vitality and quality of life in Citrus Heights through business advocacy, education and community engagement.

Superstar Sponsors are the City of Citrus Heights, Citrus Heights Water District, Republic Services, InfoStar Website Design-Online Marketing, SMUD and 5 Star Accounting & Business Solutions LLC.

For more information about the 20th annual 2025 Best of Citrus Heights Awards, go online to bestofcitrusheights.org and/or the chamber’s website at chchamber.com.