EMPORIA (KSNT) – Emporia residents can walk a little taller with the knowledge their city came close to taking the gold in a nationwide contest for the most charming main streets.

USA Today first announced the City of Emporia was nominated for its 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards “Best Main Streets” contest back in March. In the days following the announcement, people were allowed to vote for their top pick in the contest, with Emporia almost reaching the number one spot.

On April 17, USA Today revealed the top 10 winners of the contest with the City of Emporia’s main street taking silver. The full list can be found below:

  • Howell, Michigan
  • Emporia, Kansas
  • Ogden, Utah
  • DeLand, Florida
  • McMinnville, Oregon
  • Bellevue, Pennsylvania
  • Ellicotville, New York
  • Grand Junction, Colorado
  • Hickory, North Carolina
  • Haddonfield, New Jersey

Emporia’s main street which won such a high spot on this year’s list, Commercial Street, is home to local sights such as the Emporia Granada Theatre and regularly hosts a variety of events, according to USA Today. You can read through the full list on USA Today’s website by clicking here.

These choices were nominated by a panel and voted on by readers as the best of the best for the nation’s main streets. Each city’s main street was selected for its vibrant culture, historic value and how they serve the local community.

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