MEROM Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The town of Merom officially submitted their video entry into HGTV’s Home Town Takeover’ contest.

With the entry, community members are hoping to get a face-lift from Ben and Erin Napier.

The competition asked communities to highlight why their home should be picked for the show, and Merom answered.

Community member and resident for over a decade, Susie Larson said the history of the town and the friendly neighbors are what draw people to it.

“I think the history is one of those obvious things for all of us who are here that is precious to the people who come and go as if this was their home.”

Larson is the executive director at Merom Camp & Retreat Center, Inc. which used to be a co-ed college in the late 1800s. She said it is only one of many historical markers in the town.

Derek Grant, who lives on the outskirts of the town, said he is fascinated by the local history.

Grant married into the town, but continues to live there because of the friendliness of the entire community.

One reason, Grant said, he was excited to hear about the entry was because he imagines a revitalization of downtown would draw more people in, and keep the one’s who already call Merom home.

“We want Merom to be a place where people want to be, and not feel like they’re there because they have nowhere else to go, but because they want to be,” Grant said.

He said even if they don’t win, the town may still change for the better.

“Hope breeds hope, you know, and then eventually turns into action,” Grant said.