MINNEAPOLIS -- The big cheer that went up Thursday night in downtown Minneapolis came from a plaid-clad contingent of Bemidjians who just learned their community was named "Best MN Town" by Minnesota Monthly magazine.

Bemidji won the honor over fellow finalists Austin, Owatonna, Waconia and Walker. The announcement was made at a gala party honoring the 50th anniversary of the magazine.

Jamie Flaws, publisher of Minnesota Monthly, cited Bemidji's efforts in planting trees, creating the Students First program and becoming a vibrant regional center.

About 20 community members were on hand for the ceremony at the Lumber Exchange Building. Among them was Dick Beardsley, co-owner of the Lake Bemidji Bed & Breakfast and a representative of the Bemidji Innkeepers Association.

"When they announced our name, my gosh, shivers just went through every inch of my body," said Beardsley, who donned a Paul Bunyan costume and was swarmed by gala attendees seeking a photograph with the legendary lumberjack. "It just shows you the kind of community Bemidji is. What a neat deal."

Susan Goudge, executive director of Visit Bemidji and organizer of the group, accepted the award on her town's behalf.

"This is so amazing," Goudge said. "Thanks to everybody who voted for us and everybody who cheered for us."

After Goudge accepted the winning plaque, former Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Vene took the stage and sang a song to the tune of "Home on the Range," with special lyrics about Bemidji.

The winning town will receive a multi-page editorial feature in the February 2018 edition of Minnesota Monthly, a media campaign valued at $50,000 and a party in its community.

Panelists who joined Minnesota Monthly’s editorial team in selecting the winning town were Dan McElroy, Kate Roberts and Kevin Kling. McElroy is president and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota and Vice President of Minnesota Restaurant, Lodging and Resort and Campground. Roberts is senior exhibitor developer for the Minnesota Historical Society. Kling is a playwright, author and humorist.

"I thought we were winners even before we won, because everybody was so great, the public support, the community support," said Cindy Habedank, destination services specialist for Visit Bemidji. "We're really happy to bring home the prize."

After the gala, many of the Bemidji representatives got back on the bus that brought them to Minneapolis earlier in the day, and headed back to the "Best MN Town."

"It was a festive event," said Bill Batchelder, owner of the Bemidji Woolen Mills. "There's a sense of growing excitement right now. It's a wonderful group of Bemidji business people, community people, government people, and everybody on that bus truly, truly loves Bemidji."