Cast Your Vote: Parade and Steller's Search for America's Favorite Small Town Begins

Rhea-AI Summary

Parade and Steller launched America's Favorite Small Towns voting on Nov 19, 2025, inviting nationwide votes for U.S. towns with populations under 250,000 ahead of the 2026 250th anniversary.

Voters may cast one vote per day at https://americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com/ through early spring 2026; each vote enters the voter to win a trip valued up to $1,500. Towns can still enter through Jan 2026 via https://favoritesmalltowns.awardsplatform.com/.

Finalists will be announced in early spring; state winners on June 1, 2026 and the national winner on June 12, 2026. The national winner receives Parade print advertising, a promotional badge, and a Parade x Steller July 4 activation.

Spotlight your favorite communities across the country and be entered to win a trip valued at up to $1,500

KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide voting is now open in America's Favorite Small Towns competition, created by Parade, one of the country's most-loved national media brands for over 80 years, and Steller, the platform that connects travel videos to trip planning and booking.

The competition celebrates the charm and unique character of communities across the U.S. with populations under 250,000 leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. 

How to Vote

Voters are now invited to help choose the small towns that help define America by visiting https://americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com/ through early spring 2026. Participants can show support for their favorite small towns by casting one vote per day.

To participate, simply select the town's region and state, and enter a valid email address. Each vote not only boosts exposure for the small town but also enters the voter for a chance to win a trip valued up to $1,500.

How Voting Helps Small Towns

Every vote cast will help a small town in their quest for the title of America's Favorite and increase their exposure to over 130 million potential travelers through Parade.com, Steller.co, and their combined social channels.

"Small towns are the heart of our country, filled with stories and traditions that bring people together—something Parade has been celebrating for more than 80 years," said Lisa Delaney, General Manager and Chief Content Officer of Parade. "Now, people across the U.S. have a chance to support these communities and show why their town deserves to be called America's favorite."

Small Towns Can Still Enter

Any town with a population under 250,000 can still enter the America's Favorite Small Towns Competition between now and January 2026, at https://favoritesmalltowns.awardsplatform.com/. States, Destination Marketing Organizations, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and any Chamber of Commerce may enter on behalf of their communities.

"The entries we've received in the competition highlight how special and diverse small towns across the U.S. really are, from mountain towns to coastal gems and charming main streets," said Pete Bryant, CEO of Steller. "We're thrilled that voting is now open, so that travelers and locals alike can be part of celebrating the best of small-town America."

What's Next in the America's Favorite Small Towns Competition

Voting will determine the small towns that advance to the final round, which will be announced in early spring. Each finalist will be featured in Parade's "Favorite Small Towns in America" special print issue and across Parade and Steller's digital and social channels. A winner will be announced from each state on June 1, 2026, and the national winner will be announced on June 12, 2026.

 The ultimate winning town will receive:

• Free advertising placement in a Parade special print issue.
• The ability to promote the achievement with the "Favorite Small Town in America" badge and signage.
• A Parade x Steller activation at the winning town's July 4^th celebration, complete with potential celebrity appearances, sponsor giveaways, and national media coverage.

To cast your vote, visit https://americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com/

About Steller

Steller, headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., is the market leading travel planning platform that guides travelers from inspiration to planning and booking through authentic experiences of their favorite creators. Steller's patent pending platform distributes millions of pieces of bespoke, worldwide video content that can be found and booked on the Steller app. Learn more at www.steller.co and stellerforbusiness.com.

About Parade

Parade, the premium legacy entertainment and lifestyle brand, has been enlightening, delighting and inspiring audiences for more than 80 years. Parade is owned and operated by The Arena Group Holdings, Inc (NYSE American: AREN), a brand, data and IP company that builds, acquires and scales high-performing digital assets. Arena combines technology, storytelling and entrepreneurship to create deep content verticals that engage passionate audiences across sports & leisure, lifestyle and finance. Through their portfolio of owned and operated brands including Parade, TheStreet, Men's Journal, Athlon Sports, ShopHQ and the Adventure Network (Surfer, Powder, Bike Magazine and more), they deliver trusted content and meaningful experiences to millions of users each month. Visit thearenagroup.net to learn more.

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SOURCE Steller

FAQ

How do I vote for a town in America's Favorite Small Towns (AREN) and when does voting close?

Vote daily at https://americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com/; voting is open from Nov 19, 2025 through early spring 2026.

How can a town enter the America's Favorite Small Towns contest and what is the entry deadline?

Towns (population under 250,000) can enter at https://favoritesmalltowns.awardsplatform.com/ through January 2026.

What prizes and exposure does the national winner receive in the America's Favorite Small Towns contest?

The national winner receives free Parade special-issue print advertising, a promotional "Favorite Small Town in America" badge, and a Parade x Steller July 4 activation with national media coverage.

When will Parade and Steller announce state winners and the national winner for America's Favorite Small Towns?

State winners will be announced on June 1, 2026 and the national winner on June 12, 2026.

Does voting in America's Favorite Small Towns include a prize for voters and what is its value?

Yes; each valid voter entry is eligible to win a trip valued up to $1,500.

Who can enter a town on behalf of a community in America's Favorite Small Towns?

States, destination marketing organizations, convention and visitor bureaus, and chambers of commerce may enter towns on behalf of their communities.