ANAHEIM, Calif. — Maine's second-largest city has earned some new bragging rights.
Lewiston was one of 10 municipalities designated this year as an All-America City. The selections were made Friday night during an award ceremony in Anaheim, Calif., in the competition sponsored by the National Civic League.
"My head is just spinning right now," Dottie Perham-Whittier, Lewiston's community relations coordinator, told the (Lewiston) Sun Journal. "I think we pretty much just leaped up on that stage."
During its presentation the day before, the delegation from Lewiston talked about various city initiatives, including the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, the Lots to Garden program and tax preparation for low-income residents.
Lewiston became the fifth Maine city, and the first in 40 years, to win the honor. Portland was designated an All-America City in 1950, South Portland in 1964, Presque Isle in 1966 and Auburn in 1967.
Three other Maine communities have been named finalists but fell short of gaining All-America status: Gardiner in 1957, Kittery in 1968 and Augusta in 1988.
Lewiston was among the finalists for the award last year, but was never called to the stage. When the city was selected this year, Perham-Whittier said, "One of the judges looked at me and said, 'Aren't you glad you came back?'"
The application crafted this year by Deputy City Manager Phil Nadeau and his team was shorter and punchier, focusing more on community accomplishments and less on the work from City Hall.
"We think we nailed our presentation," Perham-Whittier said. "The judges repeatedly thanked us for coming back again. They commented on the youth council and really seemed to remember a lot about us."
The youth council's most recent effort, the "U Booze, U Looze" campaign to curb underage drinking, took center stage. UBUL pins and logos were prominent parts of the city's booth at a civic fair Thursday.
The National Civic League said the All-America City award, which typically goes to 10 cities each year, offers national recognition for hard work and civic pride. The league claims each city gets a public relations boost with the status, resulting in more tourism and new business investment.
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