It’s time to make your picks for the best of the best in Kansas City as voting is officially underway for the 6th Annual Kansas City People’s Choice Awards (KCPCA). The awards will honor the metro’s most exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations across nearly 75 different categories.
With dozens of potential winners spanning seven major subcategories, you have a chance to give a well-deserved spotlight to local favorites by visiting kcpcawards.com now through May 31 to cast your vote. KCPCA’s founder Terrell Ray says that he started the awards show after seeing a small number of Black Kansas Citians being honored in other awards shows.
“At those award shows, we will have some nominations but if you look at the winners, we may make up 1% of those winners and maybe 5% of the finalists,” said Ray. “Having the KC People’s Choice Awards, it means we’re not going to be left out of being recognized for the great things that we’re doing in Kansas City as well.”
The extensive list of categories covers everything from Arts & Entertainment icons like acclaimed authors, DJs, musicians, and comedians to the city’s top barbers, hair stylists, and makeup artists in the Beauty & Barber field. The Business subcategory celebrates entrepreneurs and companies making an impact, while Fashion highlights trendsetting designers, clothing lines, and boutiques.
Culinary creators get their due in the mouthwatering Food & Dessert section, where you can vote for your favorite bakers, chefs, food trucks, and restaurants. The Health & Wellness arena recognizes outstanding trainers, yoga instructors, and therapists, and the Service area honors talented photographers, graphic designers, auto enhancers, and more.
“The KC People’s Choice Awards, it’s not a competition,” said Ray. “It is a recognition of excellence in Kansas City.”
Voters should note that only one submission per device will be accepted to preserve the integrity of the awards. Ray says not to ‘waste your time trying to cheat’ and that the KCPCA carefully reviews the votes and voids duplicates.
The KCPCA has evolved tremendously since Ray established the awards show in 2019. What began with around 30 categories and a few hundred attendees has rapidly grown into a can’t-miss weekend extravaganza.
The 2024 KC People’s Choice Awards ceremony will take place July 28, at the Midland Theatre where winners will be unveiled live onstage. The ceremony also features performances from nominees like vocalists, gospel singers, and hip-hop artists. The evening lineup includes Yocelyn Alí, KC Young Boss, Miss Kush, Robin Lucky, and more.
Tickets for the star-studded awards show start at $20 and are available at bit.ly/KCPCA2024. Voting remains open through May, submit your votes at kcpcawards.com.