Oak Harbor Seeks Whidbey Votes to Win America’s Favorite Small Town

Oak Harbor is asking Whidbey residents to help it win a nationwide small-town popularity contest that would put the city in front of a national audience and potentially boost local tourism and retail activity. The city is representing Whidbey Island in a field that includes 27 other self-nominated Washington communities, such as Walla Walla, Chelan and Port Angeles.

The competition is hosted by Parade and the travel planning app Steller, which reaches roughly 1.5 million Gen Z and Millennial travelers. Each voter is entered to win a $1,500 trip prize package, and the state winners will be announced on June 1. The national winner will receive recognition on June 12, coverage in Parade’s Favorite Small Towns in America special print issue, a “Favorite Small Town in America” sign, and a Parade x Steller activation at its July 4 celebration with potential celebrity involvement and sponsor giveaways.

Eric Marshall, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Director and a city council member who has lived in Oak Harbor since the 1980s, initiated the entry. Marshall said the application process reinforced what long-time residents already know about the city’s strengths. “We have so much to offer in terms of outdoor recreation, community spirit, good shopping, the option to go out to eat,” Marshall said. He noted the city’s military membership and diversity as part of Oak Harbor’s appeal.

Marshall highlighted community cohesion and setting as local assets. “One of the things I love most about our community is the way that we rally around each other. I mean if somebody needs help, the other other people in the community are quick to help,” Marshall said. “So just a little bit town but with that small-town feel and connectedness.” He added, “We’re uniquely set in terms of our geographic location, with mountains on both sides, access to the beaches, lake,” Marshall said. “We’re in a very cool location.”

For Oak Harbor, winning would mean more than bragging rights. National exposure in a widely circulated print issue and an activation tied to Fourth of July events could translate into increased visitor traffic during the busy summer season, higher visibility for downtown merchants, and opportunities for local nonprofits and civic groups to leverage sponsorships and programming. The Chamber of Commerce’s involvement signals a coordinated push to convert publicity into tangible economic and community benefits.

Voting is open now and residents may cast a ballot daily at americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com to support Oak Harbor. State winners are slated for announcement on June 1, with the national winner revealed on June 12. For readers, the contest is a short-term civic engagement opportunity that could yield longer-term visibility and visitor activity for Island County; the next steps will be the community’s turnout at the ballot and how local leaders translate any win into sustained benefit.