It’s that time of year again for what’s quickly becoming an area tradition.

The third annual Best of…Central Kitsap kicks off this week. It’s your chance to get your voice heard on who you think is the best of the best in Central Kitsap. Maybe you voted last year, but your favorite didn’t win. Spread the word and get your friends in on the voting and this year you may see your favorite at the top of the list.

“After two very successful years of the Best of…Central Kitsap, we couldn’t wait to bring it back to the community,” said Rob White, publisher of the Central Kitsap Reporter. “It’s a fun way to recognize the best in our area.”

New choices to cast your votes for include best attorney, community volunteer and playground for kids. The favorites of the past two years are back as well including best waiter, school, family restaurant and much more.

This year’s grand prize is a $500 shopping spree at Costco as well as a one-year membership to the wholesale retailer. The first-place winner will receive $500 in total gift certificates from Finger Tip Touch Massage Therapy, Old Town Bistro Martini and Wine Bar, Les Schwab Tires, Outback Steakhouse and EmbroidMe. The second-place winner will receive $260 in total gift certificates. To qualify, entries must be 50 percent completed. Entry forms can be found in the CK Reporter, at Kitsap Mall (see the Guest Service Center for details) and the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce. Votes also can be cast online at www.centralkitsapreporter.com.

All entries must be received by Sept. 2, 2009. Only one entry per person via print or online. No photo copies of the entry form are allowed. Completed entries cut out from the CK Reporter can be dropped off at the CK Reporter office or mailed to The Best of… c/o CK Reporter, 3888 NW Randall Way, Suite 100, Silverdale, WA 98383.

Official entries filled out at Kitsap Mall and Silverdale Chamber of Commerce can be returned directly to those locations.