Fully half of the 2011 Visit Loudoun Tourism Awards went to deserving Middleburg volunteers whose tireless commitment contribute mightily to the quality of life and retail robustness of the Hunt Country village.

In a special commendation, Mayor Betsy Davis said it was an honor to recognize the wonderful volunteers who made it possible for Middleburg to sweep this year's Visit Loudoun Tourism Awards.

Middleburg businesswoman Punkin Lee won the highly prized Judy Patterson Award, the highest honor conferred by Visit Loudoun. Lee, who owns Journeymen Saddlers, thanked the volunteers who work so hard all year, as she accepted the award.

'Christmas in Middleburg' won the Top Tourism Event of the Year award for events with attendance over 3,000 with Jim Herbert being the honoree. The event brought over 10,000 people to Middleburg during last year's Christmas season

The National Sporting Library's gala last autumn to open their new Museum won Top Tourism Event of the Year for events with attendance under 3,000 with Rick Stoutameyer accepting the award. The spectacular celebration was enjoyed by 2,500 guests from around the world.

Emily Tabachka, of The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, was the winner of the Tourism Employee of the Year Management Award, and George Tiedeman, won The Tourism Volunteer of the Year award for his consistent and invaluable support of the Mosby Heritage Area Association.

Also nominated for 2011 Tourism Awards were Fern Bratten of Salamander Touch and Rich Gillespie of the Mosby Heritage Area Association.