#Steller #PARADe #America's Small Towns

The Quest for America's Favorite Small Town

In a remarkable display of community pride and spirit, Parade, one of the United States' most recognized media brands, in collaboration with Steller, has unveiled the finalists in their search for America’s Favorite Small Town. This competition, which has seen participation from hundreds of thousands of residents nationwide, aims to highlight the unique charm and character of small towns throughout the country as they gear up for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Overwhelming Participation and Notable Finalists

After an extensive voting process, 40 towns have risen to the top, showcasing a variety of American landscapes and cultures. Notable finalists include Lodi, California; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Fredericksburg, Texas; Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Dunedin, Florida. Each of these towns reflects the vibrant essence of American small-town life, from coastal attractions and historic sites to bustling main streets lined with local shops and eateries.

Lisa Delaney, the General Manager and Chief Content Officer of Parade, expressed excitement about the opportunity for these towns to shine. She stated, “These 40 small towns truly capture the stories and traditions that bring people together. We are honored to give these communities a platform to show the rest of the country why they are so beloved.”

The selection of finalists was not random; these towns earned their spot through compelling stories and significant local support, which resonated with voters from across the nation.

A Platform for Local Impact

The reach of this competition extends beyond the initial voting, as the 40 finalists are now being showcased to an audience of over 130 million potential travelers through various channels including Parade.com and Steller.co. This exposure offers these communities a chance to highlight their unique offerings and attract tourism, which is vital for sustaining their local economies.

Pete Bryant, CEO of Steller, noted the impressive engagement their platform drew during the competition. He revealed that videos submitted by the towns had amassed over 2.4 million views, effectively showcasing the diversity of experiences available in each location. “We are thrilled to celebrate these towns as we head toward determining a final winner,” he added.

The Road Ahead: Regional and National Winners

Each of the finalists will be featured in Parade's upcoming special issue, “Favorite Small Towns in America,” and across Parade and Steller's digital platforms. The competition will announce regional winners on June 1, 2026, followed by the crowning of the national winner on June 12, 2026.

The accolades for the winning town include not only the prestigious title of