The Mission Bell Resort ball room was packed on Wednesday, February 21 with the anticipation of who won what for the Valley Star Awards. There were almost 570 Winter Texans and Wintertainers™ present during the event – a record breaking turnout.

It was exciting as everyone waited for each award to be given, clapping and hollering here and there as their favorite nominees were read out loud before the winner was announced.

You could tell the entertainers for the event had been preparing for weeks before as they got on the stage.

Leslie Blasing took some requests and performed some of her favorites. Attendees said she knocked it out of the park. Mark Merchant brought the crowd to boisterous laughter with his ventriloquism and his partners on stage. Diego and Edith also brought their lively music to the stage with people getting up and dancing.

After a short break and the 50/50 that had two winners, attendees had the chance to hear from Dale and Mrs. Crabapple before Gayle made her appearance. Mrs. Crabapple had a few complaints about a resident at her park enjoying the pool too much. Then we had Bruce Boudreau who started with his Canadian chart-topping song “We Dance in our Kitchen,” before getting into some more familiar country tunes that the crowd enjoyed. Lastly, we had the Night Howlers close the afternoon with their trio, playing music that received participation and cheers.

In between our acts we announced the winners of the Valley Star Awards.

The Duet Musical of Group of the Year went to Can Am. The duo consists of Bruce Boudreau from Canada and Tom Hiles from USA. They have been making their rounds around the parks this season, just like all our Wintertainers™. They were very humbled to win the award. Tom was speechless while Bruce thanked everyone for their continued support.

Individual or Small Band of the Year went to Ron Moshier. You could tell by the crowd that he is loved by all of those that attend his shows.
Shake, Rattle and Roll were the Vocal Group of the Year winners. They couldn’t make it down last year but returned this year and the Winter Texans have loved having them back in town. They weren’t in attendance to receive the award but did thank their Winter Texan fans on their social media page.

Mark Merchant: Two Voices in One, was quite surprised to win the Novelty, Comedy or Variety Act. He was very thankful and caught off guard to hear his name called as he was getting his dummies off the stage (as he had just performed before the announcement).

Family Group of the Year went to Lindley Creek. Kathie Greer, accepting the award for the family, said it was because of the Winter Texans that they have been able to do this as a family. Without them, they wouldn’t be here. She said she is thankful for the Winter Texans enjoying their shows, and enjoying their changes each year as they try out new songs and sounds.

Gospel Group of the Year went to Abundance Quartet. Jamie Layton was there to accept the award and said he is sure the group is going to be surprised by the recognition. He said they look forward to the time they get to spend in South Texas.

Steven May and the Southern Nights won Country Band of the Year again. And The Fabulous Cruisers were again winners of the Rock and Roll Band of the Year. Steven May gave a heartfelt thank you to all who took the time to vote for them.

“We love what we do and are blessed with the best friends and fans on the planet,” said Steven May.

Naomi Bristow won the Female Vocalist of the Year. She is the yodeling cowgirl that spends most of January entertaining as many parks as she can fit into her schedule.

Male Vocalist went to a fairly new entertainer. Bruce Boudreau was delighted to win this year’s award. He said he was overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected for the award and gave a huge thank you to those that voted for him.

“It was an honor to stand amongst and be part of such an amazing, talented group of singers who all equally deserve to win male vocalist of the year,” said Bruce. He added that the other nominees set that bar high, and it is a privilege to entertain the Winter Texans with them.

He also gave a huge shout out to his wife for supporting him because without her, this wouldn’t be possible.

The coveted Entertainer of the Year Award went to Ron Moshier.

“What a great day to be grateful and humble,” said Ron Moshier of the recognition. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

He said he knows his mother is watching him and is so thankful for the lessons she taught and encouraging him to play the accordion and getting him into music. He also gave a huge thank you to his fans, and his best friend for supporting him in this career.

We at the Winter Texan Times would like to give a huge thanks to all the Wintertainers™ that give their all each year to visit the Valley and entertain. We are so thankful for you and our Winter Texan family. You have become friends and family to us and couldn’t ask for better people to work with.

We will see you next year!