Lewisburg has taken home first at the America in Bloom symposium in California over the weekend.
Judges ranked Lewisburg best in the 3,500-6,000 population category at an awards ceremony in Arroyo Grande, CA, on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“It was a huge surprise (and) very exciting,” said Shannon Beatty, coordinator of the Lewisburg in Bloom Committee.
“We felt an immense amount of pride for all the work we’ve done. I’m just so proud of Lewisburg, especially because of the way the community pulled together to make this happen after the flood in June,” Beatty said.
The two judges that visited the town in July ranked Lewisburg four Blooms out of five, and the town received special recognition for “floral displays.” One more win would put Lewisburg in the America in Bloom Circle of Champions, a select group of 16 cities and towns that have taken three titles.
Judges rank towns on floral displays, landscaping, urban forestry, environmental and sustainability efforts, heritage preservation and overall impression, a category that combines maintenance and cleanliness.
The secret to Lewisburg’s sustained success in the competition, Beatty said, is an ever-growing base of community members that get involved. This year, business owners in the downtown area stepped up to the plate, she said. They planted more flowers, they beautified their storefronts, and they participated in the purple, lime green and orange color scheme, she said.
More involvement from other community groups also played a role, she said.
Lewisburg in Bloom Committee, The Lewisburg Foundation, The Lewisburg Merchants Association, The Blue Bell Garden Club, The Savannah Garden Club, The Lewisburg House and Garden Club, The Greenbrier Gardeners, and the Master Gardeners, all supported the cause.
Lewisburg was among 39 cities and towns from around the country to participate this year.
“People are planting pride,” Beatty said. “They are having a lot of pride in their environment and community.”
