CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Cowboy boots met bedazzled flair Thursday night as more than 300 attendees packed the Citrus Heights Community Center for a celebration of local excellence, the 20th annual Best of Citrus Heights Awards Dinner.

The sold-out event, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, embraced this year’s country-chic theme, “Boots and Bling,” with live country music, smoky barbecue and a fun “dessert run” that had guests pledging donations for first dibs at the sweets table.

But beyond the rhinestones and brisket, the evening honored the beating heart of Citrus Heights, its businesses.

More than 10,000 votes were cast by more than 4,000 residents, selecting winners from 451 contenders across 43 categories. Eligibility required that businesses either be located within Citrus Heights or hold membership with the chamber.

“We absolutely love this event because it truly is the public voting for our business community,” said Sheri Merrick, the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. “We can shine a light on our business community from when the voting starts all the way to the event. I love seeing all the engagement on social media and the exposure those businesses get.”

Master of ceremonies Anthony Avery kept the night lively, guiding attendees through a high-energy awards presentation. The event also featured door prizes, with one lucky guest walking away with a diamond ring from Sharif Fine Jewelers, and another scoring a new mower from Miller’s Ace Hardware.

A portion of the proceeds went to the San Juan Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds grants and resources for Citrus Heights students and teachers.

“Your support here this evening will impact not only the schools but our students here in Citrus Heights,” said Gabrielle Rasi, DDS, the chamber’s board chair. “We are so proud that we are able to come together as a community and help a nonprofit in our community.”

Founded in 1991, the San Juan Education Foundation now raises about $15,000 annually to fund technology, financial assistance and teacher grants within the San Juan Unified School District.

From lashes to lattes and tree removal to real estate, winners represented a diverse selection of what Citrus Heights has to offer.

“Thank you for your support of the Citrus Heights business community,” said Rasi. “It’s near and dear to my heart.”

The event was made possible by title-sponsor Republic Services, presenting sponsor Dignity Health, superstar sponsors, local businesses and chamber staff.

For the full list of winners, visit https://www.bestofcitrusheights.org.