Despite extensive planning and tireless determination to be named an All-America City, Lewiston was not a winner in last week’s national contest in Anaheim.

The city’s contingent – which included business youth and government representatives – clapped gamely as 10 winners each took that prize. They were disappointed at the outcome, having gone to California near-certain that the positive direction the city has taken in recent years would surely be recognized.

We understand the disappointment, but hope it was short-lived.

Lewiston has nothing to be disappointed about.

It may not have been named an All-America City, but there is absolutely no denying the progress made in Lewiston’s neighborhoods, along city streets and inside its historic mills. That progress is abundantly more important than anything the city may have brought home from California.

The city’s so-called Southern Gateway -where Oxford Networks and Northeast Bank anchor the entrance – is most often cited as the surest sign of progress downtown. It’s far from the only sign.

Just beyond the Oxford Networks building is Andover College, boasting such aggressive enrollment that it had to expand a couple of short years after it opened. There’s also a new parking garage there, the Public Theatre preparing for a massive renovation and the new VIP is doing a brisk business.

The newly renovated Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s now offers the city a cultural center at a site formerly used as a place of worship, a fitting renovation in celebration of the city’s heritage and its culture.

The Colisee, with its massive renovation nearly complete, looks the part of a major sports complex.

There are new restaurants, an expanded TD Banknorth in the former Bates Mill, a more visible memorial at Veterans Park on the edge of the Longley Bridge, and water fountains and green spaces on city corners.

This summer, the Courthouse Plaza will be home to regular Thursday noontime concerts through July. And, as we approach fall, Kennedy Park will be a hub of activity with its new skating park and renovated basketball courts and community pool.

Lewiston may not have been named an All-America City, but it’s our city and we’re proud of the people who live and work here. We’re proud of the progress made in recent years and supportive of the work still yet to do.