On September 17, 2025 we attended The Official Community Choice Awards for Stark County at La Pizzeria in Canton, Ohio. Representing Almost Heaven Ice Cream was our Director of Operations, Mackenzie Anderson and Marketing Manager, Heather Weygandt.

Upon arrival, we knew we were somewhere special. The room was full of all the local businesses in Stark County Ohio, with barely a seat open in the house. At our table, we were introduced to Stark Area Regional Transit, Tailored Fades Barbershop, George's Menswear and Tailoring, and Anison Dental Group. This was just a small group of strangers brought together for celebration, and what an honor it was to make new friends and connections. I was so incredibly touched by Sarta who sat with us and were just as excited as we were during the "Dining" portion of the evening.

The evening started with cocktail hour, where we were able to mingle, take pictures, enjoy a nice house salad and a glass of wine. We went in not knowing what to expect but were pleasantly surprised by the event. Even as the night progressed and we were so nervous for the Awards Portion of the evening (Our reason for being there).

As dinner drew to a close, the awards portion began, read off by the 2025 Miss Ohio, Olivia Fosson. What an incredibly nervous time this was. There were so many local businesses to get through, with an abundance of celebration and cheer. However, Dining was one of the last categories and the butterflies in our stomachs could have taken wing and floated away on their own.

Finally, our first category was up. BEST DESSERT. You barely had a moment to catch your breath as the category and nominees were read, followed by the announcement of the winner, ALMOST HEAVEN ICE CREAM! I am not ashamed to admit I yelled and clapped, and tears came to my eyes. What an incredible feeling it was to know we were a part of something that is "The Best" as voted by our community.

We did come in second place for Best Ice Cream, and though we were disappointed what an incredible honor to even come in Second Place in a County of amazing ice cream shops. It will just make us work harder next year. We have the best production team, and they deserve that award for how hard they work to bring our Super-Premium ice cream to fruition. For now, we will relish in our victory for Best Dessert, and continue to be so proud of our team for their commitment to bringing delicious ice cream to Stark County and Beyond. With Gold Medals from the Los Angeles Dairy Competition and our trip to NICRA coming up in a few short months, we are feeling pretty unstoppable at the moment.

Here's to the future and all that God has in store for us.