Morning Journal/Katie White The Main Street Theater in downtown Columbiana.

COLUMBIANA — The votes keep coming in, and the city of Columbiana is currently ranked first in the nation in the Reader’s Digest one of the Nicest Places in America competition.

The city became a finalist a few weeks ago and has soared to the top spot recently thanks to the efforts of a local theater company that reaches out to those with special needs. The competition lasts until July 21, after which a finalist will be named.

“We are very excited to be a part of Crown Theater’s success and their commitment to their special needs shows,” City Manager Lance Willard said.

According to the Reader’s Digest article that can be found at www.rd.com, the city was nominated by Mary Lou Wilson, whose grandson participates in plays at the Main Street Theater, located at the city’s square.

In order to be named Nicest Place in America, Columbiana must get enough votes from the public. Voting can be done by reading the Reader’s Digest article and clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. Deadline to vote is July 21.

“I am honored that our program is getting some recognition. My folks that are in the program are just amazing people. It’s great to hear that people are recognizing that,” Erich Offenburg said of the nomination.

Offenburg is artistic director for Crown Theater Productions, the non-profit theater company responsible for the schedule of live action plays offered at the Main Street Theater.

The plays are performed by those with physical or mental disabilities.

Offenburg and City Manager Lance Willard both credited Don Arthurs and his wife for undertaking the renovation of the Main Street Theater more than 10 years ago.

“Mr. and Mrs. Don Arthurs provided us great community service when they undertook a huge renovation of the Main Street Theater. They renovated it and made it available to Crown Theater Productions who offer a full schedule of plays each season,” Willard said. “Together the Arthurs’ and Crown Theater Productions help bring our community together and help make Columbiana such a great place.”

Offenburg said Crown Theater is thankful for the Arthurs’ work and for allowing the organization to utilize that space.

“It’s a great opportunity for everybody in the community,” he said.

He also credited the Columbiana Community Foundation, which provides major funding to the organization for its plays, and also the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce for its support.

“There is such a wide group of people that pull this off in the community,” Offenburg said of the success of Crown Theater Productions and the Main Street Theater.

He added that the organization is growing on a regular basis, with around 30 actors participating in shows.

The cast is gearing up to perform Shrek this fall and are also planning a trip to a performing arts festival at Walt Disney World next year, he said.

“We are super excited about everything that is going on with the special needs program and the theater itself,” Offenburg said.

The Columbiana Reader’s Digest nomination can be found at: www.rd.com/nicestplaces/the-nicest-place-in-ohio/columbiana

kwhite@mojonews.com