Lombard hopes web voters put village on Rand McNally’s next map

For the next few weeks, the village of Lombard will be rallying votes from residents, businesses and supporters to try to earn a top spot in Rand McNally’s Best of the Road contest.

The annual competition, started in 2011, ranks the top small towns in America in six categories: Most Beautiful, Most Fun, Most Patriotic, Friendliest, Best Food and Best for Geocaching.

Village President Keith Giagnorio initiated Lombard joining the competition in early July and said a top spot would put a deserving spotlight on the village.

“Lombard has so much to offer residents and visitors alike,” Giagnorio said. “From restaurants to shopping to parks to parades and festivals, Lombard is worthy of a top spot on Rand McNally’s map. We want to show everyone why.”

As of Friday, Aug. 9, Lombard was ranked in fourth place overall in the Most Fun category with more than 230 votes. The competition is open to towns in America with populations of fewer than 150,000 residents.

Voting for the competition opened July 1 and runs through Tuesday, Sept. 3. According to Rand McNally’s official website, the top five finalists in each of the six categories will be revealed in mid-September.

At that time, each town will submit a video or pictorial tour for judges to make the final decision. Winners will be announced Oct. 7 and receive a feature in the 2015 Rand McNally Road Atlas and a free custom iPhone app promoting the town as a top destination.

Finalist towns will be judged on number of votes received, overall fit and suitability, social participating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and the video tour, photos and written submission by the town, according to the Best of the Road website.

To vote for the village, go to bestoftheroad.com and signup with an email address and password. Search for Lombard in the “Find Your Town” search box and vote for one of the six categories. Village employees and trustees are encouraging votes for the Most Fun category.

Through Sept. 3, voters can log in every 24 hours to cast their vote for Lombard. Residents and supporters also can add reviews and photos to Lombard’s official page and share their vote via social media.

Anyone with questions on how to sign up and vote, or other inquiries related to the competition, can call Lombard’s Communications Coordinator Bridget Doyle at (630) 620-5718 or email doyleb@villageoflombard.org.