Shenandoah Valley Best - Timeline
How it works ...
Each year we ask the general public to nominate their favorites across 212 categories. All nominated businesses will move forward to the voting ballot, no matter how many times they’re nominated. During the voting phase each person can vote one time per day per category. After voting ends, results are published as a year-long reference for the community.
Nomination Phase
Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:00pm thru Feb 11th, 2026 at 5:00pm
It all starts with the Nomination Phase. In the Nomination Phase, the public submits their favorites for consideration in each category. It only takes one nomination to move onto the voting phase, so no need to nominate your favorite over and over again - one nomination is all it takes!
Voting Phase
Feb 18th, 2026 at 12:00pm thru Mar 4th, 2026 at 5:00pm
After the Nomination Phase comes to a close, there is a brief pause for the nominees to be validated to ensure each nominee qualifies for their respective nominated category. Each member of the public can vote one time per day per category.
Winner Announced
May 21st, 2026 at 6:00pm
The votes are tabulated and the winners are selected based on the most votes. Winners will be reflected online for one year as a resource for the community.
Winner & Magazine Timeline
For winners and those who purchase a magazine ad, please see the timeline below for important dates and deadlines:
Winner Notification Due Date
Due Mar 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm
Non-disclosure agreements and winner questionnaires will be sent to all winners via email. Winners will be able to provide content and update contact information for themselves. Winners will also be able to see a preview of their free winner feature. Winners must submit their questionnaire by Mar 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm.
Magazine Ad Purchase Deadline
Ad purchases must be placed by Mar 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm
Various ad placements are available for purchase for this year's magazine. The ads must be purchased by Mar 27th, 2026 at 6:00pm in order to secure the spot for the magazine.
Looking for the magazine spec sheet? Click to download it
Content Due Date
Apr 3rd, 2026 at 5:00pm
If you purchased a magazine ad, all images and ad copy must be submitted to the design team by Apr 3rd, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Ad Approval Deadline
Magazine design due date is Apr 10th, 2026 at 5:00pm
For those who purchased a magazine ad, all magazine ads must be approved by Apr 10th, 2026 at 5:00pm. This date applies to ads being designed by our team or ads being provided to us camera ready.
Would you like to know more about Shenandoah Valley Best?
If you still have any questions on any part of the contest, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more clarification on many parts of the contest.