The city had been chosen as one of 27 municipal finalists for the award back in April, and a delegation of 42 from the city made the trek to Kansas City, Mo., last week to try and persuade a panel of 10 judges that their city should be one of just 10 All-America cities chosen from the entire country.
Two decades ago Acworth was little more than a hamlet by Lake Allatoona, with a crumbling downtown and little else. Today it boasts a dynamic, revitalized downtown, a full range of municipal services and numerous nice subdivisions and parks, as well as keeping the character of its historic older neighborhoods.
"I think speaking for everyone, all of the Kansas City delegation members, we felt like we had already won because we were so happy and proud of our presentation," said Mayor Tommy Allegood afterward. "It showcased the very best things our community offers to its residents and we're the best community in the nation, we have no doubt."
Acworth and the other cities were required, among other things, to highlight three community projects that had been implemented in response to local challenges. Acworth selected
* Horizon Field, which is a baseball/softball field specially designed to serve children with special needs
* The Expanding horizons Program, which uses local donations to fund educational trips for students who rarely, if ever, get to travel outside the city
* and the Acworth Achievers After School and Mentoring Program, which offers after-school opportunities for students.
The city's community and business leaders raised $35,000 to send the delegates on the trip so they could be part of the presentation.
The City of Marietta won the honor in 2006.
The trip, and the honor, left Acworth officials and residents feeling deservedly proud.
"Many of the things (we shared with the judges) we already know, but now the whole nation knows," the mayor said afterward. "We're just beyond excited."
And Acworth has a right to be.
Congratulations!
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