You know what we at Gulf Coast Media think one of the best things about September is?

Sure, September ushers in the first day of fall, National Happy Cat Month and National Hug Your Hound Day for the pet lovers out there. And, of course, it’s the start of pumpkin spice season. But for folks in Baldwin County, there’s something even more exciting on the horizon — it’s time for Gulf Coast Media’s Best of Baldwin readers choice contest.

Nominations are open from Sept. 11 to Oct. 9, giving you a chance to shout out your favorite businesses, people and places in over 400 categories. From the best burger shop to your go-to auto mechanic, the entrants with the top five most nominations in each category will advance to the final voting round — so make sure to vote for your favorite nominees every day.

This contest has grown each year. What started as a simple community vote six years ago has turned into the event of the year. There’s a red carpet, a celebratory magazine, glitzy photo ops and a framed plaque every winner receives to display their recognition.

“Best of Baldwin has quickly become one of the largest events and most celebrated honors for local people and businesses in our county,” Gulf Coast Media Publisher Vince Johnson said. “For our staff, it’s one of our favorite things we do in engaging with our large, vibrant community.”

This contest really covers it all. Need a great place for an oil change? Check. Looking for the best spot to take your kids on a Saturday? Got it. From automotive services to medical professionals, entertainment to home improvement, Baldwin County’s finest will be competing for your votes. And with categories for teachers, law enforcement officers and nonprofits, the contest celebrates not just businesses but the people who make a difference in the community.

You don’t need a subscription to Gulf Coast Media to participate in making nominations or as a nominee or winner. While nominees and winners must be located in Baldwin County, anyone — local or not — can nominate and vote.

Our promotional team will review and approve nominations within 48 business hours. To ensure your favorites make it to the voting round, continue submitting your nominations daily.

Once the nomination period ends, voting runs from Oct. 23 through Nov. 20, and voters can cast their choices once per day in as many or as few categories as they like.

New this year, you can sign up for daily reminder emails to help you keep track of your nominations and votes so you won’t miss a chance to support your favorites.

“Baldwin County is one of the most attractive, fastest-growing counties in Alabama and the nation. Saying that, the competition for being named Best of Baldwin is friendly but fierce, and it’s such an honor for those who win,” Johnson added. “It’s a year-round celebration of greatness.”

If you’ve been nominated and want to make your nomination shine, contact your Gulf Coast Media sales representative or email advertising@gulfcoastmedia.com. This year, there are exciting new ways to promote your nomination, including gallery features, unique ads for your listing page and a consolidated link that showcases all the categories you’ve been nominated in. Additional advertising options are also available to make sure your nomination stands out in style, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

The winners will be revealed at the Best of Baldwin Red Carpet Event in February 2025, followed by the release of the Best of Baldwin 2025 magazine.