HOWELL — While it may not hold the title of Best Main Street in America this year, downtown Howell is still in the Top 10.
In USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Main Street, Howell took fourth place. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, took the top spot this year, followed by Emporia, Kansas, and Ogden, Utah.
Last year, Howell took first place and celebrated with the 517 Block Party which featured a cupcake eating contest, a meet and greet with Miss Howell USA Alexis Farr and free face painting from local artist Kat McButterfly.
More: Howell wins ‘Best Main Street’ in America
Howell is known for its walkable shopping and dining district where unique local businesses are housed in historic brick buildings. Staples like the historic courthouse and Historic Howell Theater are local landmarks of downtown.
Annual events that draw in thousands of visitors each year include the Melon Fest, Balloon Fest and the Fantasy of Lights Parade. When there isn’t a major festival happening, there are often still community gatherings like the farmers’ market.
A few years ago, the city completed a whimsical, award-winning playground, Howell Summit Gardens. Muralists have added color to buildings throughout downtown as part of the Howell Art Project. Even an alley, Peanut Alley, was spruced up, and businesses there have marketed themselves as The Alley District.
USA Today is owned by Gannett, the same company that owns and operates Livingston Daily Press and Argus.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell named fourth ‘Best Main Street’ in America
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