Leader Publications is expanding its “Best of” contest to the city of Eureka for the first time this fall. The 2026 Best of Eureka will be a new contest where residents can nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses, organizations and professionals. The contest will feature five groups with 74 categories.
The groups are: Eat & Drink; Home, Auto & Services; Shopping & Style; Family, Health & Pets; and Fun, Arts & Local Life.
Within each group, there are categories. For example, in the Fun, Arts & Local Life group, the categories are: Best Local Festival/Event; Best Event Venue; Best Wedding Venue; Best Golf Course; Best Hotel; Best Local Band/Artist; Best Civic Organization; Best Place to Worship; and Best Local Attraction.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs, advertising manager for Leader Publications, said the contest is meant to highlight the local businesses and organizations that make Eureka special.
“Our local businesses give so much back to our town, and this is an opportunity for Leader readers to give a little thank you to them and support them. You can nominate and vote for them without it costing you anything, and that is a great way to show support and give them a little moment in the spotlight,” Skaggs said.
Skaggs shared that, just like the annual Best of Jefferson County contest, changes and adaptations were made to the contest to fit what is best for the town. Requirements for the contest are that nominations must be of local Eureka businesses or local Eureka business owners.
Readers can nominate their favorite local businesses from Sept. 10-27. Voting opens on Oct. 8 and will run through Oct. 25.
“Readers and community members will be able to vote once per category per day. We have a sophisticated voting software, and we try to run the fairest contest we can. No one gets an extra vote in a category. Everyone gets one vote a day. Make it count,” Skaggs said.
Winners and finalists (those who do not win but place in their nominated categories) will be announced Oct. 30 online and in printed editions of the Leader newspaper on Nov. 19.
“Think of all the local businesses that have helped you. This is your opportunity to give a nod to why they are so fabulous and possibly the best,” Skaggs said. “At the end of the day, the people that live and work in your community are a lot of small-business owners. They’re also the ones who are supporting school fundraisers, athletic teams and beautification movements within the city. They are the ones who open their doors to the community and know your name. They’re not here for a quick buck. They’re here to make their community better,” she added.
With this contest, there are also many marketing opportunities for businesses to advertise in the Leader newspaper. For those interested, call 636-931-7560 or email ads@myleaderpaper.com.
To nominate and vote for your favorite local businesses, organizations, professionals or attractions, visit myleaderpaper.com/bestofeureka.