Downtown Turlock is hoping to turn locals' love of its recently revitalized Main Street into a $25,000 cash prize and title of America's Main Street contest winner.

Independent We Stand, a buying local campaign, launched the America's Main Streets contest in an effort to promote the economic benefits of Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive. Through the contest, the public is able to vote for a deserving Main Street, with the winner receiving $25,000 in cash and related prizes for revitalization.

“We expect to see communities rallying for their Main Streets simply by going online and encouraging others to do the same. We want to know what already makes your Main Street tick or what you think would make it even better," said Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle.

The Turlock Downtown Property Owners' Association nominated Downtown Turlock.

"Downtown Turlock by far has the most passionate community I've been involved with," said TDPOA Director Gina Loretelli.  "The people of Turlock love Downtown and they love their local businesses."

The community support of the Downtown is paying off. Businesses are flourishing, the restaurants are full and boutiques are drawing customers from throughout the region. 

Loretelli said winning the America's Main Street contest would not only be an honor, but the cash prize would be put to good use in helping with unforeseen maintenance costs — like repairing the downtown tree wells.

"The tree roots are pushing up the wells, which are pushing up pavers and swallowing up electronic boxes," she said. "The maintenance costs we're facing  aren't routine, but are special costs that aren't in our budget."

Turlockers only have until Sunday to vote Downtown Turlock into the quarterfinalist round. To vote, go to mainstreetcontest.com and search "Downtown Turlock" under Nominees. If Downtown Turlock receives enough votes, it will move on to the semifinalist round of voting May 2-29. The America's Main Streets winner will then be announced June 3.