Three Michigan cities are finalists for top prizes in a national contest aimed at boosting community spirit. The competition is fierce as the contest draws to a close on Monday.
Readers Digest is asking people to cheer online for their favorite cities in its “We Hear You America” contest.
At last count, Grand Marais, St. Johns and Albion, Michigan, were in the top five.
"They represent three kinds of communities," says Maggie LaNoue, an artist who lives in Albion. "We have a Upper Peninsula boating community, we have a central farming community and we have a southern post-industrial community."
LaNoue says if Albion wins, it might use the money to renovate its downtown theater or improve its riverwalk. Grand Marais wants to upgrade its breakwater and St. Johns would build a water park.
The top prize is $40,000; second is $25,000 and and third is $10,000.
Anyone who's a U.S. citizen and 18 years or older may vote.
For more information: wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com/
