Thursday night, the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel will be turned into a showcase of some of the best businesses in Bergen County. The fifth annual ‘Bergenfest,’ put on by Bergen Health & Life Magazine, starts at 5 p.m. Thursday night.

According to magazine publisher Andy Shane, “there are three reasons that people love coming to Bergenfest.”

One, he said, is for the food. The event showcases over 20 restaurants, all of which offer samples of some of their best dishes.

The second is the entertainment, which includes performances by singer Janice Robinson, world-renowned belly dancer Amira Mor, Dance with Me Academy, and a men and women’s fashion show.

The third is the potential to win. All guests are entered to win raffles and door prizes at no additional cost.

“We are giving away more prizes than we ever have before,” Shane said. “Everything from Caribbean vacations, to iPads to spa days.”

The event is the culmination of the magazine’s Readers’ Choice awards, which ask readers to vote on and rank local businesses, Shane said. Top finishers in a wide range of categories are on display at Bergenfest. This year, 75-80 Bergen County businesses will be participating.

General admission tickets are $35 in advance, and $50 at the door. VIP tickets are $50 in advance, $65 at the door. The first hour of the event is reserved for VIP guests, who receive additional goody bags of prizes.

Shane called the celebration a “great event. It really gives local busineses a chance to connect with residents, and it’s a lot of fun.”