For three Maricopa fathers, winning InMaricopa’s annual Best Dad contest may not be the pinnacle of life.

That honor likely belongs to the everyday work of being a father. The early mornings, late nights, family dinners, scraped knees, school projects, long days, and quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

Still, being recognized simply for being a good dad is pretty cool.

This year’s Best Dad in Maricopa contest, sponsored annually by Karsten’s Ace Hardware, honored Adan Gaxiola, Cy Baxter, and Lucio Dominguez. Their nominations came from family members who described them as caring, dependable, selfless, and deeply committed to the people they love.

A community tradition

The nominations ranged from newer dads to more seasoned fathers, but each carried the same message: These men show up.

Larry Palatnik, the store manager at Karsten’s Ace Hardware, said Dave and Cheryl Karsten, along with their son Zach, sponsor the contest each year because they want to be part of the community and give back. Karsten’s also sponsors InMaricopa’s annual Best Mom contest.

“They appreciate that the community welcomes the opportunity to honor the best moms and dads,” Palatnik said.

Adan Gaxiola

Gaxiola was nominated by Carolina Laureano, who called him “the best dad” to their little girl and a wonderful dog dad to Noah, a poodle, and Koa, an English bulldog.

“What makes him great is that he’s a family man, a businessman, the coolest uncle, and has always lent a helping hand to those in need,” Laureano wrote. “At every family function, all the kids gravitate toward him because he plays sports and fun games with them.”

She said Gaxiola has earned the honor by caring for and providing for his daughter, while also being an amazing son, husband, uncle, and grandson.

Cy Baxter

Baxter was nominated by Maya-Grace Baxter, whose submission traced the way her view of her father changed as she grew up.

“When I was 5, I envisioned my dad as a superhero,” she wrote. “At 10, I saw him as my best friend. At 13, I saw him as my protector. When I was 18, he was my mentor. And at 22, I see him as the best example of a loving, servant-hearted father and husband.”

She described a father who fixes problems without complaint. He helps strangers when needed, and comes home from work joyful to see his family, often bringing small gifts like graham crackers or peach tea.

“I could never tell when he was having a bad day because he was so busy making sure my siblings, my mom, and I didn’t have one,” she wrote.

Lucio Dominguez

Dominguez was nominated by Miranda Cason, who described him as an extraordinary father whose love, dedication, and selflessness have left a lasting mark on his family and others.

Dominguez works as a pediatric dental assistant, spending his days caring for children with patience and compassion. Cason said that the same gentle nature carries into his home.

“One of the many things that makes him so special is the way he creates meaningful family moments,” she wrote. “Sundays are often spent gathered together while he grills for the family, turning simple meals into cherished memories filled with laughter, conversation, and love.”

Prizes and appreciation

Each winner was given a choice of large prizes from Karsten’s Ace Hardware.

Gaxiola chose a $500 Dunn-Edwards Paint credit to use at Ace Hardware. Dominguez chose a DeWalt cordless drill package. Baxter will receive an Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler charcoal grill.

Dominguez said becoming a father is “one of the best things that can happen to you.” He also vowed to nominate his wife for next year’s Best Mom contest.

Dominguez said the recognition was hard to put into words, but fatherhood has taught him to “keep going every day, no matter what, and the grind doesn’t stop.”

He said it was hard to put into words what it felt like to be nominated and win.

In addition to the gifts from Karsten’s Ace Hardware, the winning dads received prizes from several local businesses, including free ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, a gift card to Mandy’s Wine Bar, gift cards to Rili B’s, a service credit from Iconic Tire, an ED3 bill credit, and other items.

The winners carried home their prizes in an Ace Hardware bucket with a fitting message: “If a dad can’t fix it, no one can.”

For these three Maricopa dads, the recognition was not about being perfect. Their families honored them for showing up, staying steady and earning the love of the people who know them best.

Nominate your dad next year for a chance to honor him and show how much Maricopa appreciates its fathers.

Larry Palatnik, Adan Gaxiola, Lucio Dominguez, Erika Paramo, and Bittany Russell [Staff]

Adan Gaxiola and Lucio Dominguez with the prizes [Staff}

Adan Gaxiola poses with the prizes [Staff}

Miranda Cason, Lucio Dominguez, Erika Paramo [Staff]

Bittany Russell, Larry Palatnik, Lucio Dominguez, Miranda Cason and Erika Paramo

Some of the InMaricopa’s prizes. [Staff]

Lucio Dominguez and Miranda Cason [Staff]

Erika Paramo and Brittany Russell at the InMaricopa prize table. [Staff]

bbq sauce at Ace Hardware [Staff]

Ace Hardware [Staff]

Prizes awarded by InMaricopa [Staff]

InMaricopa’s Erika Paramo arranges the prizes. [Staff]

InMaricopa’s Erik Paramo arranges the prizes. [Staff]

Prizes awarded by Karson's Ace Hardware [Staff]

Prizes awarded by Karson's Ace Hardware [Staff]