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About the Contest



Sauk Valley Favorites celebrates all the wonderful people and places in our community. The contest aims to highlight the hidden gems that make Sauk Valley special. From your favorite place for a burger to your favorite hardware store. Nominate and vote for your favorites in over 100 categories! Let's celebrate our community by recognizing our Sauk Valley Favorites.

Sauk Valley Favorites nomination and voting areas include multiple cities across Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, and Carroll counties.


When does Sauk Valley Favorites take place?

Nominations: November 11th through November 29th, 2024

Voting: January 6th through January 24th, 2025

Winners Announced: May 17th, 2025

How are winners determined?

Nominations are collected through a write-in phase. From November 11th through November 29th, listeners and readers will have the chance to nominate their favorite Sauk Valley people and places. Nominations are limited to one nomination per category per day. Make sure you support your favorites as only the top five nominated businesses in each category will move on to the voting phase.


Do I have to advertise to be nominated or to win?


No. No purchase is necessary to participate or to win. However, advertising on our radio stations, in our newspapers, and on our website does give your business more exposure.


Can I self-promote my business?


Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to reach out to your customers and let them know you are campaigning for Sauk Valley Favorites. By combining self-promotion and advertising with Shaw Local, you can expand your reach and raise more awareness for your business.


What are the rules?


All participating businesses must have a physical address within the Sauk Valley coverage area. Nominations are limited to one nomination per category per day. Voting is limited to one vote per category per day. The purchase of advertising with Shaw Local does not affect the outcome of Sauk Valley Favorites results. Votes are counted and audited by an independent third party.


Why don't I see a category for my business?


As much as we’d like to have a category for every single business in Sauk Valley, we try to limit the number of categories to make it more manageable and make Sauk Valley Favorites the best it can be.


Are there any restrictions on voting?


Voters must use their own email address when registering to vote. Email addresses must be valid. Votes that cannot be verified or show signs that they may be fraudulent will be eliminated.


Are there restrictions on who can win?


Winning businesses must be located within the Sauk Valley coverage area - Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, and Carroll counties.


Have any other questions? Send an email to SaukValleyFavorites@shawmedia.com