Best of the Lakes Region celebration at The Lake Estate draws record-breaking crowd

LACONIA — Dozens of local business leaders gathered Wednesday night, at The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, for the 8th annual Best of the Lakes Region celebration. Competing for the top two spots across 196 categories, over 310,000 votes were cast for over 1,300 local businesses and organizations.

The event, hosted by The Laconia Daily Sun, was held for the first time at the scenic Lake Estate, bringing in a record number of guests.

“We sold over 500 tickets this year, which is the biggest in eight years,” said Nick Moulton, The Sun’s sales manager.

Adam Hirshan, The Sun’s publisher, opened the celebration. “Thanks to all of you, the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who make the Lakes Region such a special place to live, work, and play,” Hirshan said. “Best of the Lakes Region would not be possible without the support of the Bank of New Hampshire, our founding sponsor and partner for all eight years of this celebration.”

Hirshan thanked sponsors Comcast Business and Xfinity, and The Lake Estate on Winnisquam for working in partnership to put on the successful event.

Hundreds of people filled The Lake Estate’s ballroom on Wednesday, spilling out onto the great lawn, taking in views of Lake Winnisquam.

Ed Rocco, general manager of The Lake Estate, said when they're sold out, they have 228 guests, who they always refer to local businesses and eateries.

“It really is beneficial for us to say they were the best in the area, whether it be a restaurant, a retail shop. So, for me, hosting this is really more of a partnership with the newspaper,” said Rocco.

Many winning businesses and organizations returned to the party as eight year veterans, as well as some first timers bringing home the gold.

After just 11 months in business, Lakes Region BBQ, in Belmont, earned gold for Best Catering, Best Food Truck, and Best Chili. At the event, owners David and Janice Malone proudly served guests their slow-cooked pulled pork. After years in the customer service industry, the couple started experimenting with a couple of smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rest is history.

Lakes Region BBQ has hosted events in the community to support military-serving organizations and first responders. The Best of the Lakes Region celebration is another way they are able to immerse themselves in the community.

“Everything we do is fresh and made from scratch,” David said. “We put a lot of passion in everything we do.”

Giuseppe's Pizzeria & Ristorante, of Meredith, has been at the party from the very beginning. The staff returned for their eighth year, winning gold for Best Italian Restaurant and silver for Best Pizza. This year, they served their award winning pizza to guests, slices almost flying off the table.

Owner Julie Gnerre-Bourgeois said they are always happy to attend the event, and interact with customers and fellow businesses.

“People stop and say, ‘We love your place, we’ve been there, your pizza’s great.' And so, it’s great reinforcement.”

Among returning nonprofit organizations is the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund, a partner and longtime beneficiary of the Best of the Lakes Region celebration. Each year, Executive Director Jennifer Kelley and her team hold a fundraiser. Sometimes a silent auction, this year was a raffle, for 32 gift cards donated from businesses around the area, totaling over $1,300 in value.

“I love coming to the Best of the Lakes Region. I spend a lot of time voting for so many people,” Kelley said.

“We’re just looking forward to helping recognize our other businesses in the Greater Lakes area, and just having us all come together,” said Board Chair Douglas Morrissette.

People representing businesses and organizations lined up to take photos showcasing their hard-earned award certificates, as music from three-time Best Solo Act winner Katie Dobbins played. Dan Fallon Band, 2026 winner of Best Music Act Group/Duo, livened up the patio overlooking Winnisquam, guests jumping up and down to the band’s Pitbull cover.

“When we were designing the hotel, the architect said, 'You’re gonna end up with about 500 parking spots.' And I said 300 would do. And then we host this event, and we have cars in the apple orchard, the beach, and everywhere else,” Rocco joked.

With record-breaking attendance and great weather for the celebration, guests of the hundreds of winning businesses, and organizations gathered to support one another in their achievements, and connect.

Rocco closed out the event around 7 p.m.

“Thank you everybody for being here. And once again, congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Best of the Lakes Region.”