Small Town Showcase strives to highlight the uniqueness of Missouri’s small towns, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is and why it should not be overlooked, overshadowed or underappreciated.

According to its website, this pilot program will provide Missouri Humanities the opportunity to connect with more of the state’s smaller/rural communities, form strategic partnerships and expand its reach. In turn, the project provides communities with a platform to tell their stories and market what they have to offer to a larger audience.

During the meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen this week, Mayor Franny Vaught said Sweet Springs was selected to be showcased. He said Small Town Showcase will be coming to town, conducting interviews and filming. Then the city will be showcased on TV.

The website says communities are nominated and voted on by Missourians to become part of the annual “Featured Five” communities. Each of the Featured Five will work with Missouri Humanities on:

– A three to five-minute video about their community, shot on site;
– An hour-long podcast, roundtable-style;
– A feature in the biannual publication, MoHumanities; and
– A highlight reel, featuring all five communities, to be shown during the annual gala.

For this pilot year, Missouri Humanities selected its first set of Featured Five communities of Marble Hill, Chillicothe, Lamar, Mountain Grove and Sweet Springs.

Organizers say, “(We) are looking forward to helping spread the word about these unique Missouri gems.”