Story Created:
Apr 15, 2009 at 12:02 PM EST
Story Updated:
Apr 15, 2009 at 5:17 PM EST
A nationwide audience heard this morning that Owego is America's Coolest Small Town.
Action News reporter Gabe Osterhout tells us how it will celebrate winning the budget travel.com contest.
The Town of Owego was buzzing with excitement after the CBS Early Show announced it is the coolest small town in America.
"I thought it was totally awesome. I am so proud that people outside the village come in and take a look and say yes it is...its a really cool town," says Lisa Curatolo of Owego.
Some local businesses started the celebration early.
The Goat Boy gave out free coffee to anyone who mentioned Owego's honor.
Some residents say that's just what gives Owego it's charm.
"I like the fact that you can walk to anyplace you need to in town. You don't need a vehicle to get by and there are a lot of locally owned stores where there is a sense of community here," says Jeff Klapprodt of Owego.
Owego received 24-thousand votes since Budget Travel dot com began its contest in February.
More than 150 towns were nominated, but only about 20 were chosen as finalists.
Owego beat second place Rockland, Maine by a thousand votes.
Budget Travel's criteria for entering the contest included towns of less than 10,000 people, but that are also growing.
The Tioga Tourism office say Owego is growing in the right direction.
And the Coolest Small Town title will help the economy.
"We're excited about it. We are going to take advantage of this promotion and try to encourage tourism here, especially in this economic downturn that we have. So, hopefully that will be good for business," says Stella Reschke, director of tourism.
Plans are already underway for a party this Friday.
Owego hopes its win inspires other places to try for the title.
"I think we'll take a pass on next year and have some other towns do that," Reschke says.
In Owego, Gabe Osterhout, WBNG-TV Action News.
Owego will host a party to celebrate this Friday at the Jailhouse Restaurant.
Doors open at 5, and there will be a toast to Owego at 5:30.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
