239 Towns in Connecticut Vie to Win State's "Fan Favorite" Tourism Contest

If you’re looking for your town on the drop down menu at the state’s tourism site as part of the second annual “fan favorite” contest, don’t be surprised if the list seems longer than you’d expect. The list of “towns” includes each and every one of the state’s 169 municipalities - plus 70 additional geographic entities that really aren’t towns at all. Some are familiar, many are not – except perhaps for the people who live or near their boundaries. Either way, they’re not towns or cities. Which could make it interesting as the votes are tallied.

Might “Woodstock” and “South Woodstock” divide the Woodstock vote? Or “Redding” and “Redding Ridge” the Redding vote? And where is Central Village, Oneco, Pine Meadow, or Quaker Hill? All are included on the list of towns.

That’s not even mentioning the back-to-back listings for “Barkhamstead” and “Barkhamsted” – presumably one is a misspelling, not a distinct geographic entity.

Although the site asks for individuals to “vote for the town,” there are 239 choices available. Of course, after identifying a “town,” respondents need to indicate which “revolutionary place in town” has earned their vote for “fan favorite.”  No suggestions are offered there - entrants are on their own.

Voting opened earlier this month and continues on the agency's Facebook page through July 25. The winners will receive advertising and public relations support from the tourism office, and will also be featured in the 2015 Connecticut Visitor's Guide.

The state’s tourism Facebook pages urges visitors to “Vote now for your chance to win a getaway to Niantic! The ZIP and ZEN prize package includes a four-night stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, $100 gift card to Grace boutique and a free all-day pass to Niantic Bay Bicycles.” Visitors are also asked to share a photo, presumably for posting on the state’s tourism web pages.

And if you’re wondering when it was founded – the state, not the Facebook page – the date listed is January 9, 1788.

The state’s tourism website, www.ctvisit.com, also provides a link to the contest, as well as the state’s visitors guide and a range of “52 getaways” and travel details and special offers. One can even sign up to be a “Connecticut Ambassador.” That web form does not include a drop down menu of towns – one simply just types in your town, without any suggestions or prompting.