The City of Urbana is among five “Best Hometown” honorees by Ohio Magazine.
The honor celebrates Urbana’s vibrant community, rich history, and the outstanding contributions of its residents and local organizations.
Ohio Magazine solicited nominations in the spring of 2024 and conducted visits across the state throughout the summer to select this year’s honorees. Finalists were evaluated in six key categories: Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health and Safety, Business Environment, and Culture and Heritage.
After an extensive review, Urbana was chosen for its dynamic downtown, filled with unique shops and restaurants, its dedication to preserving local history, and its undeniable sense of community.
To commemorate this achievement, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau invites everyone to join in for a festive celebration during the November Second Saturday event in downtown Urbana on Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This special day will feature an exhibition showcasing the many businesses and organizations that played a vital role in earning this distinguished honor.
A highlight of the celebration will be a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on the steps of the courthouse. Attendees can look forward to inspiring speeches from local leaders, including Urbana Mayor Bill Bean, who expressed his pride in this recognition: “What an honor it is to enjoy this special recognition for our community. Henry Ford once said, ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.’ My thanks to everyone for their part in making the City of Urbana one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns.”
Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown honorees, including Urbana, will be featured in the November/December 2024 and July/August 2025 issues of the magazine, as well as online at ohiomagazine.com, providing readers across the state with an opportunity to discover what makes Urbana stand out. Joining Urbana on the list of honorees are Bryan, Hilliard, McConnelsville and Millersburg.
The day will be filled with local vendors, family-friendly activities and community spirit.
Info from Chamber
