Hope Communities in Bloom is going national this year.
After earning provincial Five Bloom awards the last three years, the committee feels it’s time to compete at the next level.
“Our hope is that it will increase local community excitement as well as our committee will get some renewed interest and focus,” said committee co-chair Crystal Medlock.
“Hope’s unique proximity to mountains, rivers, lakes, the tunnels and outdoor opportunities abound makes us unlike anywhere in Canada I’ve ever visited. The passion and drive of our Communities in Bloom volunteers – and volunteers in the entire community for that matter – has historically made us stand out amongst other communities in the same population category.”
Hope competed at the national level in 2006 for the first time alongside Langley in the Canadian Classic Twinning Competition, which gives the committee some insight into national judging standards. Only provincial award-winning communities are invited to participate.
“We have been invited for the past three years to compete nationally and I feel we are finally ready,” said Medlock.
“Every little thing you do in our beautiful community counts – picking up a piece of garbage, mowing your lawn, maintaining flower beds, planters and baskets, and just pitching in when an opportunity comes up does make a difference.”
Youth involvement in various projects around the community has also played an important role is the success of CIB, added Medlock.
Judges will be travelling to participating communities throughout July and August to evaluate each municipality on tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, floral displays, community involvement, turf and groundcovers. The national awards are handed out Oct. 10-13 in Edmonton, Alta.