Hundreds of locals packed the front lawn of the Times News Media Group in Lehighton for the third annual Readers’ Choice awards ceremony.

Close to 200 invitees were on site for some good food, music and networking.

Layne “The Doctor” Roberts, of Colossal Radio, was providing the music and narration, while guests enjoyed food catered by La Dolce Casa of Tamaqua.

“We’re happy to be supplying the music for another year. Last year, of course, things were a little different, but it’s awesome to be back.”

His company also won the Best Radio Station award.

“I’m grateful. I just do what I do and have fun,” Roberts said.

“I’m born and raised right here in this valley. How this has lasted this long, I have no idea. We get a lot of support from local businesses with the radio station, it’s an ever-growing list. We’re happy to have many of these people underneath the tent that are on board with the station and supporting each other.”

Over 100 awards were given out on Monday.

Don and Brandon Edgar, of R.A. Ahner Furniture in Lehighton, accepted awards for best mattress and furniture.

“It’s awesome to have the community support. We’re very fortunate, I think we’ve seen over the last couple of years, people like buying from a local store,” Don Edgar said.

“A place where you know the people. When you come into our store it’s family. From the sale to the delivery part of it, you’re touching base with the whole family, and I think that really matters to the people - especially the people of this area.”

Ahner Furniture is a multigenerational family-owned company.

“It’s really come full circle,” Brandon said.

“Like my dad said, I love being a part of it and it’s nice to be the part of this community. I feel like we’re a hub where people feel comfortable spending their hard-earned money.”

“The Readers’ Choice process featured 7,100 participants, 69,000 nominations and over 130,000 votes,” said Jen Benninger, Times News advertising director.

Lehighton has many pizza shops. One of them is Pizza Como U.S.A., another multigenerational family business, which took home two awards to its home base of the Carbon Plaza Mall - Best Local Pizza and Fastest Delivery Service.

“That’s one of the biggest things I strive for - to do things for the community and help wherever I can,” Salvatore Caruso said.

“Knowing the community puts that faith in us, to serve them the best quality food that we possibly can, that warms my heart. I love it and I appreciate everyone’s support and all of our wonderful customers.”

A first-time winner was the Gunslinger Country Band, which earned the Best Local Band/Musician award.

“We’d like to thank everyone that voted for us. We really appreciate it and we’re humbled by it,” Henry Woods said.

Vocalist Steve Morris noted the band has been playing together for three years.

“We never expected this to happen, it’s kind of exciting in a way. I’m glad people think so highly of us when we play,” Woods said.