America in Bloom Winners Announced
“Quality of life is an important element in promoting a city, and is an important factor in its economic prosperity. We know that beauty is one of the factors that tie people to a community, and congratulate not only the winners, but all the participants on their efforts,” said awards program chairperson, Jack Clasen.
Each participating town was judged on eight criteria across three sectors: municipal, residential, and commercial:
- tidiness
- community involvement
- environmental awareness
- heritage
- urban forestry
- landscape
- floral displays and
- turf and groundcovers
America in Bloom president Marvin Miller said, “We are excited that these cities are participating in America in Bloom’s national award program. With this commitment, they join with nearly 200 other cities across the US and many more around the world which have recognized the importance of flowers, trees, and other plants to the economic, environmental, psychological and sociological well-being of their residents.” Population category winners:
- Sackets Harbor, NY – Under 4,000 Population Category
- Gallipolis, OH – 4,001 – 10,000 Population Category
- Bexley, OH – 10,001 – 15,000 Population Category
- Arroyo Grande, CA – 15,001 – 25,000 Population Category
- Holland, MI – 25,001 – 50,000 Population Category
- Fayetteville, AR – Over 50,000 Population Category
- Tidiness: Holland, MI
- Environmental Effort: McCall, ID
- Community Involvement: Washington, MO
- Heritage Preservation: Arroyo Grande, CA
- Urban Forestry: Bexley, OH
- Landscaped Areas: Sackets Harbor, MI
- Floral Displays: Springfield, OH
- Turf & Groundcover Areas: Fayetteville, AR
- Best Hanging Baskets: Demopolis, AL
- Most Whimsical Feature: North East, PA – frog sculptures
- Best Adaptive Reuse Project: Gallipolis, OH: Ariel Theatre – Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Center
- Most Beautiful Town Entrance: Rising Sun, IN
- Greatest Number of Years in AIB: Fayetteville, AR
- Best Community Garden Program: Coshocton, OH
- Best Feature for Young People: Springfield, OH – Eco-Sports Corridor
- Most Creative Ideas for Fundraising: Springfield, OH – Hollandia Botanical Garden (sell butterflies to be released in the name of a loved one)
- Most Creative Idea in the Past 10 Years: The “Ten Years of Best Ideas” book by Evelyn Alemanni which presents nearly 2000 best practices and photos of accomplishments by America in Bloom participating towns over the last ten years.