(RAHWAY, NJ) -- A panel of travel experts and editors from 10Best and USA TODAY, have chosen Rahway as a nominee for their 2021 10Best Readers' Choice award for “Best Small Town Art Scene”.  Rahway is up against some tough competition, but it has been developing its arts and business scene for over two decades and has become a regional hub for creativity and innovation. 

This small city of just under 30,000 people, nestled between Philadelphia and New York City, historically has enjoyed the benefit of artists hopping the train and heading north or south to share their talents. However, over the past several years, Rahway has come into her own and is now a destination for the arts! The 1,300 seat Union County Performing Arts Center and the 200 seat Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts theatres are at the core of our Arts District, hosting talent from both the local and world communities! The Gallery Space (whose name is inspired by Rahway native Carl Sagan), presents visual artists of all backgrounds.

Even during the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, music and art abound throughout the streets. Spoken word and poetry slams, live music, Yarn Art Alley, (including a six foot tall portrait of Freda Kahlo), community chalk art, pop up dance and culinary tastings, all continue in COVID compliant ways. Events are sponsored by the City, The Rahway Arts + Business Partnership, non-profits, and private businesses. Everyone gets in on the arts scene!

Want to help Rahway win the competition? You can vote once per day here. Polls close on Monday, April 26 at noon ET. The winning town, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Friday, May 7.

Rahway is competing against 19 other small towns, each with a population of fewer than 30,000 people (as of the last census).  The towns include: Bandon, Oregon; Berea, Kentucky; Carmel-By-The-Sea, California; Cody, Wyoming; Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Hudson, New York; Lincoln, Massachuesetts; Lucas, Kansas; Madrid, New Mexico; Manitou Springs, Colorado; Marfa, Texas; Sag Harbor, New York; Spring Green, Wisconsin; Stockbridge, Massachusetts; Taos, New Mexico; Tubac, Arizona; West Rutland, Vermont; and Yellow Springs, Ohio.