It was a big night at Centennial Hall as the best in country music came out for the fifth annual Country Music Association of Ontario awards.
The 2017 awards ceremony, which began at 7 p.m. Sunday, celebrated the province’s country music community and all those associated with the Ontario country music infrastructure — provincially, nationally and internationally.
River Town Saints took home the trophy for single of the year with Cherry Bomb.
After leading the pack with seven nominations, Meghan Patrick took home three awards: album of the year for Grace and Grit, female artist of the year and the rising star award.
READ MORE: Nominees announced for 2017 CMAO Awards hosted in London
Tim Hicks took home male artist of the year and James Barker Band won fans’ choice.
Cold Creek County won group or duo of the year.
Londoners Genevieve Fisher and Jessica Mitchell were nominated but unfortunately did not win any awards.
London hosted Country Music Week last fall, the largest non-sporting event ever held in the city. It generated $8.4 million in economic activity across the province, much of it specific to London.