Best of Humboldt 2016 

It's that time of year again. The sun feels even warmer on the back end of summer and we've got a little color from lazy days on the river and afternoons at the ballpark. The kids are still in denial about returning to school and results of the Journal's Best of Humboldt poll are in.

It is a pleasure — especially in the midst of an objectively chaotic, flaming circus of a presidential election — to vote for the people, places and things we love most about our county. Voter turnout was high, with some 115,000 votes cast in two rounds. Though it was hardly drama free; there were upsets, Cinderellas, wild cards and dark horses aplenty.

For example, Wolf Dawg, the Susan Lucci of sausage, finally overcame Costco for Best Hot Dog. Despite a strong showing, Rita's and Pho Thiên Long, two seemingly unbeatable dynasties in their respective categories of Best Mexican and Best Asian restaurants, were both overturned, as was Blue Lake Casino's hold on Best Karaoke. Other legacies continued (hey, Kinetic), but this year, the Best Police Officer category garnered more votes than guffaws and new faces stepped into the spotlight. One never knows.

So throw on your shades, Humboldt, and bask in the reflected glory of our winners.