PORT HARDY — The swashbucklers of People's Drug Mart were selected business of the year and the galley swabbies of Malone's Oceanside Bistro were honoured as small business of the year Saturday at the 2011 Port Hardy Business and Community Awards Gala at the Civic Centre.
The pirate-themed gala drew more than a hundred costumed pirates and one costumed Air China "pilate" as Lawrence O'Connor as Captain Aiyiyi.
The event also featured Pirating 101, the comedy duo of Nick Harrison (Captain Cornelius Cannonball) and Mike Cavers (first mate Ralph McQueasy), who recruited and trained audience members to crew the Black Hurl in a series of improvisational skits.
Dale and Janet Dorward served as masters of ceremony. Plenty of food was available, with appetizers from the Fireside Grill, dinner by Malone's Oceanside Bistro and desserts courtesy of the Quarterdeck Inn.
2011 Port Hardy Business and Community Award winners:
Business of the Year
People's Drug Mart
Small Business of the Year
Malone's Oceanside Bistro
New Business of the Year
Escape Bistro and Gallery
Volunteer of the Year
Donna Gault
Youth of the Year
Amanda Hogan
Don Cruickshank Community Spirit Award
North Island Concert Society
Customer Service Award
Rob Tucker, Budget Car and Truck Rental
Senior of the Year
Andy Shurben
Chamber Spirit Award
Sandra Boyd
Heritage Award
Quatsino Archives Society and Museum
Port Hardy District Community Awards
Merrilee Tognela
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Tsusquana Singers