Best Annual Event

WINNER: PALM SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE

This annual tradition boasts massive trucks and trailers drenched in lights, and hometown stars and lots of kids. Again, it's your favorite annual event. What better way to start off the holidays?

Finalists

Evening Under the Stars, Palm Springs

Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs

Best Bar

WINNER: YARD HOUSE

71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 779-1415

A beer lover is bound to find their favorite brew at this popular bar and restaurant at The River. A keg room with some 1,000 gallons of beer and endless taps, plus a pleasing American cuisine menu, all backed by a selection of great oldies tunes has made this a top bar in the valley.

Finalists

Old Town Cellar, 78-105 Main St., La Quinta, 771-8950

Hair of the Dog English Pub, 128 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 323-9890

Best Casino

WINNER: AGUA CALIENTE CASINO

32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 888-999-1995

This popular casino can keep any gambler happy with 1,000 slots, 42 gaming tables, six restaurants, a lounge, poker and much more.

Finalists

Spa Resort Casino, 401 E. Amado Rd., Palm Springs, 883-1000

Fantasy Springs Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio, 342-5000

Best Dance Spot

WINNER: COSTA'S AT JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS

74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, 341-2211

A real nightclub, this active, hip spot attracts the younger set on weekends.

Finalists

Toucans Tiki Lounge, 2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 416-7584

Zeldaz Dance Club, 169 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 325-2375

Best Desert Sun Personality

WINNER: MAGGIE DOWNS

She is fun, creative and not afraid to try anything. Maggie often shares her personal side, making her stories intimate and close to the reader. No wonder readers look forward to what she will come up with next.

Finalists

Bruce Fessier

Michelle Mitchell

Best Dive Bar

WINNER: HAIR OF THE DOG SALOON

128 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 341-2403

Pub grub, an active bunch of loyal goers and a Bloody Mary that no one can duplicate, this bar is a favorite of all ages.

Finalists

The Red Barn, 73-290 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 346-0191

The Fire House, 73-405 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 674-3222

Best Gay Bar

WINNER: TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE

2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 416-7584

It's a friendly jungle with lots of entertainment, from go-go boys to live bands to drag shows. Not a boring moment to be had.

Finalists

Streetbar Named Desire, 224 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, 320-1266

Mixie's Boys Bar, 120 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 203-0147

Best Happy Hour

WINNER: SULLIVAN'S STEAKHOUSE

73-505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 341-3560

Great musical combos make the delicious happy hour food and drink deals twice as appealing.

Finalists

Piero's Acqua Pazza, 71-800 Highway 111, Suite A167, Rancho Mirage, 862-9800

Hog's Breath Inn, 78-065 Main St., Suite 200, La Quinta, 564-5556

Best Live Theater

WINNER: MCCALLUM THEATRE

73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, 346-6505

The valley's gem of a live theater, it attracts top entertainment from all over the world. The intimate yet sophisticated theater is worthy of praise on its own, from its spiraling staircases to its chandeliers. There is not a bad seat in the house.

Finalists

Palm Canyon Theater, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 323-5123

Palm Springs Fabulous Follies, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 327-0225

Best Local Band

WINNER: EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

Palm Desert

They are a vibrant, witty and irreverent band led by Bermuda Dunes resident Jesse Hughes. They combine contemporary punk energy with an old rock 'n' roll sense of fun.

Finalists

The Kiss Electric, Cathedral City

John Stanley King Band, Palm Springs

Best Margarita

WINNER: LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA

222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 325-2795

Go for the muy grande margarita, concocted from a great selection of tequilas.

Finalists

Armando's Bar & Grill, 73-260 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 346-0744

Las Casuelas Nuevas, 70-050 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 328-8844

Best Martini

WINNER: THE FALLS PRIME STEAK HOUSE

Two valleywide: 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 416-8664; 78-430 Highway 111, La Quinta. 777-9999

Water play decor makes this popular bar and restaurant unique and transfixing. Don't miss the signature "Smoking Martini" for the ultimate martini experience.

Finalists

Sullivan's Steakhouse, 73-505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 341-3560

Capri Italian Restaurant, 12260 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, 329-6833

Best Movie Theater

WINNER: CENTURY THEATERS AT THE RIVER

71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 836-1940

Twelve theaters, all with stadium seating, huge screens and digital sound make this valley theater full most nights and weekends. Located at The River, it is an easy date night with adjacent restaurants, coffee and outside entertainment.

Finalists

Mary Pickford Theaters Stadium 14, 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City, 328-7100

Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs, 325-6565

Best Place for Live Music

WINNER: LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA

222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 325-2795

Part of this restaurant's formula for fun includes live music on its very alluring, tropical patio. Dancing, swaying and partying to the beat of various musical ensembles are a favorite pastime.

Finalists

Sullivan's Steakhouse, 73-505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 341-3560

Stir at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, 773-4444

Best Radio Personality

WINNER: MIKE TRASH, KCLB

You've got to love a guy who bills himself as the "white trash D.J. from D.H.S." He is a fun disc jockey with a loyal following of fans and friends.

Finalists

Vicki Steele, KEZN

Dan McGrath, KEZN

Best TV Personality

WINNER: STELLA INGER, CBS-2

She's relatively new to the area, but this attractive anchor is admired by her viewers for her clean delivery, adaptability and sense of humor.

Finalists

Fiona Gorostiza, KMIR

Steve Schill, KMIR

Best Valley Celebrity

WINNER: BARRY MANILOW

He may not answer many calls for local media attention, but he responds to charity calls, whether it's to help battle AIDS or replace school band instruments - more than any other local celebrity. He also makes great music.

Finalists

Goldie Hawn

Brad Pitt