CANTON -- The Town of Canton has been selected as a finalist in the All-American City Awards competition.

Representatives of the 20 finalists will head to Denver, Colo. June 14 to 16 to compete for the award.

This year’s competition will spotlight community-wide initiatives that focus on military veterans and their families.

To qualify for the award, participants fill out applications listing three examples of successful community change in their municipality. In their applications, municipalities describe their capacities for civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation.

Applicants are encouraged to use the National Civic League’s “Civic Index,” to assess their community strengths and weaknesses.

Once described by pollster George Gallup as a “Nobel Prize” for civic accomplishment, the award has been given to more than 600 communities since its inception in 1949. Neighborhoods, towns, counties and metropolitan regions as well as cities can apply for the award.

“All-America Cities set an example and a standard of excellence for local problem-solvers throughout the country,” said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortes. “This is an award that gives us hope, ideas and inspiration as we look for ways to address the difficult challenges we face as communities and as a nation.”

The National Civic League will produce a report based on the finalists' projects that will be used to inform other communities seeking to improve their current initiatives or establish new ones to benefit veterans and military families.

The other finalists are Birmingham, Ala.; Owensboro, Ky.; Downey, Calif.; Natchitoches, La.; Brush, Colo.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Dunn, N.C.; Montrose, Colo.; Garner, N.C.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Thomasville, N.C.; Miami Lakes, Fla.; Folly Beach, S.C.; Sarasota County, Fla.; The Colony, Texas; Peoria, Ill.; Norfolk, Va.; Dubuque, Iowa and Platteville, Wis.

Next year’s All-American City Awards will focus on communities that foster healthier lifestyles for their residents.