Zelienople is in the top 10 American cities in the running to host the May 1 premiere of a major Hollywood motion picture.

"We're number 10, but there it is," said an excited Ron Carter, who is spearheading the effort to restore Zelienople's 95-year-old Strand Theater. "Voting ends [tomorrow]. We still have a shot," he said.

Earlier this month, the makers of the Marvel Comics-based action movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," announced a contest in which the American ZIP code that gets the most votes before April 17 would be host to the movie's premiere. Star Hugh Jackman will attend.

As of yesterday, Zelienople was 10th on a list that includes Dallas, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Las Vegas. Davis, Calif., was first. Voting ends tomorrow and the winner will be announced Monday.

"This tells me we need to go for a full-court press," said Mr. Carter, who began a campaign to bring the premiere to Zelienople last week. If people in other communities would vote for Zelienople, the town could win, he said.

To vote for Zelienople, go to www.x-menorigins.com, enter the site and under navigation on the main page, go to "hometown premiere." Follow the prompts and type in the ZIP code 16063.

-- Rachael Conway