If it wasn’t already clear based on our 2026 Best Of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll issue cover of "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" and celebrating all forms of (healthy) competition and gaming – from hardcore eSports players to casual board game enthusiasts – we're all for the love of the game and celebrating the wins of our community.

The culmination of this annual effort was the highly anticipated Best Night event on Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy, Eau Claire). Year after year, the massive party (like, over 700 people, massive) has become a victory lap for all the businesses, organizations and individuals who make the Chippewa Valley a knock-out place to live, work, and play. 

Oh, and shoutout to all the local businesses who give us a heck of a lift by sponsoring Best Night. We literally would not be able to pull this community shindig together without sponsors like Leinie Lodge, River Bend Winery & Distillery, Steve's Hemp and Visionary Eyecare; and support from Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, Hope Gospel Mission and West Rowe. 

If you missed out on the fun this year, here's your opportunity to catch all the action and see all the locally-sourced grub, groovy dance moves and – yes – the newly coveted V1 claw machine.

So, see you next year?