Lodi Named America's Favorite Small Town in National Competition

The initiative, launched to coincide with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Parade’s 85th year in media, aimed to move beyond traditional tourist hubs to highlight the country's hidden gems. Lodi’s victory follows a rigorous selection process that narrowed a massive field of nominees down to 40 contenders, before editors chose 10 regional champions. Lodi ultimately won over judges and voters alike by blending its identity as the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World with a historic, walkable downtown and a deep-rooted agricultural heritage.

Lisa Delaney, General Manager of Parade, noted that the town stood out for the palpable passion of its residents, who mobilized with significant energy throughout the voting period. Beyond its famous vineyards, which boast over 135 grape varietals, Lodi maintained its appeal through a commitment to local culture, including the long-running Lodi Grape Festival. Wes Rhea, President and CEO of Visit Lodi, credited the win to the collective efforts of the town's small business owners, hospitality partners, and residents who rallied behind the campaign.

As part of the prize package, Lodi will receive national editorial coverage and the right to use the official winner’s badge. The celebration culminates in a joint event hosted by Parade and Steller at Lodi Lake on July 4th, designed to integrate the town’s Independence Day festivities with interactive media experiences. Steller CEO Pete Bryant described the win as a masterclass in using digital storytelling to project an authentic community identity to a national audience.