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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- At the start of the year, Fairfield was one of 54 towns in Iowa that applied to become one of the state's first Blue Zones.

Now, they are only a few weeks away from hearing if they will advance to the next step -- site visits.

"Fairfield submitted an application for the Blue Zones project on January 4, and we feel we had a very strong application," Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy said. "We like all of the things about our community that make us ready, really prepared to be one of Iowa's first Blue Zones, and that was the theme -- Fairfield is ready."

Out of those 54 towns, several will be selected for a site visit, and ultimately, ten will be chosen to become a designated Blue Zones community. Fairfield will begin planning for that step when the time comes.

"I think that we will talk about what we'll do for a site visit if we are chosen," Malloy said. "Certainly that'll be a big planning process, we really want to give the best impression of our community and the readiness that I've spoken about."

On Tuesday, Fairfield will host a Blue Zones Winter Walk to show continued support of the project. Supporters and community members will gather at noon in Howard Park and walk one kilometer.

The Blue Zones project is a state-wide initiative aimed at having healthier, happier communities. There is still to time to pledge support to the project, visit the initiative's website at www.bluezones.com.

Previous KTVO stories:

Will Fairfield be a blue zone?

Fairfield making effort to become healthiest city