The Gala Awards Dinner is Saturday evening’s celebratory dinner, which is a five course, wine-paired feast that is truly worthy of a four-star property, culminates with the announcement of the winner and presentation of awards. The Pioneer Award, established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to fostering and forwarding tourism in West Virginia, is also presented. 

The 2010 awardee was Rod Stoner.
The 2009 awardee was First Lady Gayle Manchin.
The 2008 awardee was Governor Gaston Caperton.