Sykesville Main Street won $25,000, among other prizes.

A record 1.5 million votes were cast nationwide in the 5th annual "America's Main Streets" contest, which received tons of support in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Understandably concerned about the effects of a flailing economy on local businesses, voters flooded the polls with their pick for best Main Street, and Sykesville, Maryland, landed on top!

As the winner of the Independent We Stand-sponsored contest, Sykesville Main Street won a $25,000 grand prize, a free assessment from Flip This Town, public relations and social media recognition, a plaque, a gift certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment, and $500 shopping sprees to Do It Best, Nationwide Marketing Group, and PPG Paints.

Home to about 4,400 people, Sykesville boasts a quaint downtown area that showcases its unique railroad history through multiple attractions. Its Downtown Sykesville Connection organization is dedicated to supporting Sykesville's small businesses and is putting the prize money toward efforts to sustain them.

"Winning this contest is about more than just adding another accolade to our already wonderful list of accomplishments as a Main Street program. It allows us to provide even more support to our local business community in a time of dire need," said Julie Della-Maria, the executive director of Downtown Sykesville Connection. "Along with an existing microgrant program with the Town of Sykesville, we plan to use our cash prize to help our members get through the coronavirus crisis."

Sykesville had some pretty stiff competition. Among the other contestants were Emporia Main Street in Emporia, KS; Newtown Macon in Macon, GA; Historic Downtown Snohomish in Snohomish, WA; and Downtown Bedford in Bedford, PA.

Have you been to Sykesville? Did the Sykesville Main Street deserve this award? Tell us in the comments!