Mission Bell Resort was full of anticipation for this year’s Valley Star Awards. Some attendees came with signs and faces on sticks showing who their favorite Wintertainer™ was. Many attendees showed up early to save front row seats before enjoying a lunch provided by Mission Bell.

The entertainment for the event was ready to play and, well, entertain the crowd in between award announcements.

This year, attendees were able to see a couple of new faces they might not have seen before.

The Lady and the Outlaw, Regan James and Nan Taylor, took the stage together, performing some classic country and rock hits. Pat Davison and Tess, no strangers to the stage, performed some juggling acts, comedy and a magic trick or two. The Warman Trio excited the crowd with their antics, inviting the crowd to get out of their seats and do the Hand Jive. There was even some nail-biting excitement when the drummer, Jessica, hopped up on her drum and jumped up and down as she played.

Kiley & Company then played some classic country tunes before Sister Luv came on stage to sing some melodious harmonies and old rock ‘n roll. The show ended with Steven May & Southern Knights performing some of the crowd’s favorite country and rock ‘n roll.

It was exciting as everyone waited for each award to be given, the crowd cheering for their favorites as each nominee was read, before the winner was announced. In between the acts, Valley Star Awards winners were announced by the amazing emcee Dale Eisenhauer who pitched in some jokes and had a little bit of fun with those in attendance.

The Duet Musical Group of The Year went to the Buck Hollow Band. They thanked all of their fans and the activity directors.

Individual or Small Band of the Year went to Ron Moshier. Ron expressed his thanks to his fans and God. He was so thankful for still being around after struggling with some health issues this past year. Razz Ma Tazz took another win in the Vocal Group or Choir of the Year.

Fairly new to the Valley, Anthony Hernandez Illusions won the Novelty, Comedy or Variety Act. Although not in attendance, Anthony expressed his thanks on his Facebook page and looks forward to coming back next year.

The Family Group of the Year went to The Lockharts. The Lockharts were surprised by the win. After taking some time off from entertaining, they have only been back at the parks for about three years.

Gospel Group of the Year went to Goldwing Express. Goldwing Express, who weren’t in attendance, have been performing in the Valley for many years. This is their fifth win in 11 years.

Steven May and the Southern Nights won Country Band of the Year again. This is their fourth year winning the award. And Vinyl Spin, a band ever increasing in popularity in the community, were winners of the Rock and Roll Band of the Year.

Julia Lane Cooper, the girl with three names as Dale put it, won Female Vocalist of the Year. She was also surprised by the win. She started less than two years ago doing Murder Mystery games and singing at the parks.

Male Vocalist of the year went to Steven May. He was quite taken aback in winning and expressed his dear thanks to his fans.

The coveted Entertainer of the Year award also went to Steven May. He was wiping away tears as he, again, expressed his thanks to the crowd. He told those in attendance that it is because of them that he is there. Without them, he wouldn’t be entertaining and enjoying the job as much as he does. He also thanked his fellow bandmates for being a part of the ride.

We at the Winter Texan Times would like to give a huge thanks to all the Wintertainers™ that give their all each year to visit the Valley and entertain. We are so thankful to you and our Winter Texan family. You have become friends and family to us, and we couldn’t ask for better people to work with.

We want to thank all of the activity directors that bring these entertainers to the Valley for you. We also thank them for the help they give us each year in selecting the nominees – if it wasn’t for them, there wouldn’t be a Valley Star Awards. Please thank your activity directors for the entertainment they bring to the Valley as well. We love the work they do and are truly appreciative of it.

Make sure you save the date for next year. We try to have the Valley Star Awards on the second Wednesday of February each year. So, next year’s date is tentatively planned for February 11.

We will see you next year!