Citizens and businesses were honoured at the annual Mel-Bex Awards Saturday night in Melfort. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Mel-Bex Awards

Hardware handed out at Mel-Bex Awards in Melfort

Mar 24, 2025 | 12:22 PM

Local businesses and community leaders were honoured over the weekend at the annual Mel-Bex Awards.

The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) organized the business awards gala at the CJVR Performing Arts Theatre at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Executive Director Lorana McComber told northeastNOW the evening is a great way to pay respect to the Melfort business community.

“It is a great night to be honouring these businesses,” McComber explained. “We have so many amazing businesses here in Melfort.”

Eight businesses and three individuals were given various awards at Saturday’s event, including the Citizens and Junior Citizen of the Year.

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“I would just like to thank everybody who was involved in getting this [awards show] put together,” said McComber. She acknowledged the sponsors of the event, the volunteers, and of course the businesses that were involved. McComber said you can find out more about future MTACC events through their social media pages.

The winner of the Business of the Year (16 employees and over) is Wapiti Valley Regional Park.

Wapti Valley Regional Park receiving their award. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

The Business of the Year (15 employees and under) is Backstage.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

There were two winners in the Customer Service Category. Both Melfort Liquor Loft and Nutters Everyday Naturals took home the award.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

SpaFit by Linda won the Property Appearance Award.

Linda Madraga (L) receiving her Property Appearance Award. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

Taking home the Community Involvement Award was Ripley Ford.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

Melfort Arts Council won the Community Involvement Award for Organizations/Non-Profits. They were not on hand to receive the award as they had other commitments.

The Heritage Award went to Golden Grain Bakery.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

The Citizens of the Year in Melfort, as previously announced, are Dr. Adeyemi (Dr. Yemi) Laosebikan, and Foluke Laosebikan.

Dr. Yemi and Foluke are the 2025 Citizens of the Year. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

The Junior Citizen of the Year is Baylee Turner.

Baylee Turner is Melfort’s Junior Citizen of the Year. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

After the awards were handed out, the crowd was entertained by well-known local musician Donny Parenteau.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

He told stories of his time playing with Neil McCoy and shared other anecdotes from his storied career at the sold-out event.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com