Balloting for the Bay Area Reporter's ninth readers' poll, the Besties, begins next week (Thursday, January 31).
The popular contest allows readers to share their favorite LGBTQ-owned and LGBTQ-allied people, places, and things in the Bay Area. Categories run the gamut from drag favorites to nightlife to community groups. There are also arts and culture nominees and more.
Some repeat winners will be retired this year to give others a chance to win. For example, San Francisco Pride has long been readers' best LGBT event. As in the past, readers are free to write in their own nominations in each category over those listed.
Readers who complete at least 75 percent of the ballot will automatically be eligible for prizes. The top prize is three nights at Nantucket Whale Inn in Half Moon Bay.
Other prizes include a $500 shopping spree at Cliff's Variety, a pair of tickets to see Megan Mullally and Stephanie Hunt as Nancy and Beth at Feinstein's at the Nikko May 4, and a pair of tickets to see Randy Rainbow at the Masonic April 20 (sponsored by Live Nation).
Early-bird voters (first week) will be entered into a special contest to win a pair of tickets to the aforementioned Randy Rainbow show.
Bestie voting will close March 3 at 11:59 p.m.; the Besties issue will be published Thursday, April 4.
There will be more info and the ballot in next week's B.A.R.
Contact the reporter at [email protected].