 After months of campaigning, its official Bemidji has been named by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as the best Minnesota town. Josh Peterson was with the Bemidji delegation when the announcement was made. Making the trip from Bemidji to the big city, a delegation of community members dressed in plaid rolled into downtown Minneapolis where the only thing taller than Paul Bunyan was the buildings. Bemidji along with four other communities were welcomed to a gala to celebrate Minnesota Monthly and the best things of Minnesota. Whether it was food or drinks, the highlight of the event was the announcement of the best Minnesota town. The inaugural winner of the best Minnesota town contest is Bemidji. As of Bemidji along with partner organizations submitted the application for the top honor months ago and now that the title is official, they say it's an exciting moment for the entire city. We are like blowing on each support from the community, great support from other neighboring towns. Members of the plaid-clad group never once doubted that Bemidji would walk away victoriously. We already know that what an amazing and great community this is and it's wonderful to be recognized for it. For Minnesota Monthly, the final decision came down to the unique attributes that sets Bemidji apart from the rest. What was a meaningful distinction was their transparency with which they shared some of the challenges that the town has been facing over recent years and the programs that they've put in place to address it and the programs they still are undertaking. For those who have dedicated their life to business and public service in Bemidji, being named the best town is something that they always knew. If you live in a town, you belong to the town and you contribute and it just makes, this is just the icing on the cake to make it a wonderful experience in a wonderful town. All of us who are from Bemidji, who have lived in Bemidji long or short or who were born in Bemidji are tremendously proud today. With the honor set to continue with a party at a later date in Bemidji, for this group of proud plaid revelers, the evening ended with a toast. In Minneapolis, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. The other towns who were up for the honor were Austin, Owetana, Waconia and Walker. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.