Wiklund vs Wiklund took home the artist/group of the year award at the third annual Red Deer Entertainment Awards Saturday.

“We were very, very excited,” said Melody Wiklund, who is part of the band with her husband Dan Wiklund.

“We were very honoured and humbled because we were in a category with some amazing talent and incredibly awesome local artists.”

The duo started out 2018 with some big goals, she said, starting with a new album and video as well as booking as many venues as they could.

“We were able to check off those goals that we had set for ourselves and so we felt very accomplished that we were able to set a goal and stick with it.”

Wiklund said holding an awards ceremony for local artists and musicians is important.

“It’s a city that should be on the map when it comes to music and the arts and culture,” she said. “I think it’s nice just to have an evening where fellow artists and musicians can get together and visit and see what everyone has accomplished over the past year.”

Being an artist or musician can be difficult at times, especially because so much of the work ‘comes from the heart and soul,’ she said.

“It’s nice to get encouragement and know the work isn’t going unnoticed. Sometimes you need that pat on the back.”

She added, “The arts scene is very important. It lifts spirits. It’d be a pretty dull world without the arts that’s for sure. It’s just as important. They have awards for sports, why not music and entertainment?”

Red Deer Entertainment Award winners

Guest of honour: Heath West

Promoter of the year: Quan Diep

Venue recognition award: Bo’s Bar & Grill Stage

Open stage award: The Vat Pack

Achievement award: Nolan Nicoll – The Velvet Olive

Red Deer Scene award: Carl Stretton

Social contribution award: LV’s Vinyl Cafe – Lisa Spencer-Cook