On Thursday night, Sept. 24, Ponca City Main Street held its 2020 Virtual Awards Banquet over Facebook Live to honor businesses and individuals who have helped to improve the downtown area.

Competitive award categories are as follows:

Best Interior Design recognizes a business or property owner who has made improvements to the interior of their building, enhancing the commercial district as a whole and shows commitment and care on behalf of the property owners. The winner is Aesthetic State of Mind.

Best Facade Improvement is awarded to a business or property owner that have made improvements to their building while honoring the historic character of the property. The winner is Vintage Swag.

Best Window Display is awarded to a business that goes above and beyond each season to keep their window displays looking eye-catching. The winner is Liles and Company Boutique.

Best Signage award recognizes a downtown business whose improvement to their property through signage and branding has marked their business and made downtown more visually appealing. The winner is Speak Now Productions.

New Business of the Year recognizes a new downtown business that has had a significant positive impact on the district and community at large. The winner is Provisions.

Business of the Year recognizes a business with a proven success record and fills a need in the downtown district. The winner is Vortex Alley Brewing.

A new award this year is the 5 Under 40 Award. This award recognizes young leaders in the Ponca City area who demonstrate significant contributions through their roles in business, community involvement, volunteer work, leadership ability, advocacy and influence. The winners are Stephanie Austin, Luke Garrison, Melanie Gartside, Erin Liberton and Kelsey Wagner.

There were also several non-competitive awards that are as follows:

The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a volunteer who goes beyond what is asked of them to do difficult and time-consuming tasks with a love for Ponca City Main Street. The winner is Andrew Hicks.

Board Member of the Year award recognizes and individual that has committed time and energy to revitalize downtown, and demonstrated leadership and exemplary service in the Main Street organization. The winner is Terron Liles.

The Main Street Hero award goes to someone whose contribution to the Ponca City Main Street has made an impact on the future and livelihood of the program. The winner is Rachel Stewart.

Premier Partner is a business or organization that has been instrumental in the success of the Main Street program and the downtown community. The award is given to a business that has consistently supported Ponca City Main Street in multiple endeavors. The winner is Equity Bank.

A new award this year is the Best COVID Comeback award. The award recognizes a downtown business that has managed to thrive despite closures amid the pandemic. The winner is Whimsy.

This year also marks the inaugural year for The Ponca City Art Association’s Artist Award of Excellence, an award given to honor an artist’s exemplary work and to show gratitude for the artist’s contribution and devotion to the continuance of the PCAA. The winner is Shirley Petersen.