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Unveiling America’s Favorite Small Towns: A Nationwide Search

In an exciting joint venture, two prominent brands, Parade and Steller, have announced a nationwide competition titled America's Favorite Small Towns. This initiative is not just a contest, but a celebration of the unique charm and character of small communities across the United States as the nation gears up for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Spotlight on Small Towns

Every town with a population under 250,000 is eligible to participate, creating an opportunity for hidden gems across the country to showcase what makes them truly special. The competition aims to highlight these small yet vibrant communities, bringing them into the limelight and encouraging potential travelers to explore new destinations.

Starting off in November, consumer voting will provide a platform for millions to weigh in on which small towns resonate most with them. A dedicated landing page on Parade.com will feature all participating towns, utilizing Steller's unique technology to connect travelers' inspirations with practical trip-planning tools.

Amplifying Visibility

By entering the America's Favorite Small Towns Competition, towns will gain exposure to over 130 million potential travelers. This exposure is not only beneficial for tourism but also supports local economies, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Each finalist will be celebrated in Parade's special print issue titled Favorite Small Towns in America, while the overall winner will enjoy the prestigious C4 cover placement in a subsequent Parade issue. The winning town will also receive the opportunity to promote itself with the coveted “Favorite Small Town in America” badge, along with special signage.

Moreover, a fantastic Parade x Steller activation event will be organized during the winning town's July 4th festivities, potentially featuring celebrity appearances, sponsor giveaways, and extensive national media coverage, making it a remarkable celebration of the community.

Benefits for Participation

Parade's long-standing commitment to promoting local stories for over 80 years continues with this competition, reinforcing its mission to connect readers with the heart of small-town America. Steller, the leading travel planning platform, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how small towns are crucial to the country’s tourism landscape despite often struggling with visibility due to budget constraints and limited marketing resources.

Pete Bryant, Steller's CEO, emphasizes that many outstanding tourism assets exist within these towns, underscoring the goal of the America's Favorite Small Towns Competition to amplify their visibility and attract visitors. As domestic leisure travel is projected to exceed $920 billion in 2026, this initiative plays a significant role in helping small towns capture their portion of this considerable spending.

How to Get Involved

Small towns interested in participating can enter via americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com. The encouraging news is that the first 200 submissions will have their entry fees waived, incentivizing early participation. Additionally, state tourism boards and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can enter on behalf of their communities, broadening the reach and impact.

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your town to millions of potential visitors and celebrate what makes it unique. The America’s Favorite Small Towns Competition is not just about competition; it's an incredible opportunity for communities to shine, attract new visitors, and share their stories with the nation.

Conclusion

As Parade continues its legacy of celebrating local communities, the America’s Favorite Small Towns Competition serves as an inspiring reminder that even the smallest towns have stories worth telling. Join this exciting journey to discover and promote the heart and soul of America—its beloved small towns.

Stay updated and connected with the latest from both Parade and Steller as they work together to enchant travelers and spotlight the unique beauty of American small towns in the time leading up to a historic anniversary.