It’s that time of year again! Every summer America In Bloom judges visit the city of Lewisburg as part of the America in Bloom competition. This year they will be in town on Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19.
Promoting environmental and lifestyle enhancements, America In Bloom is an independent, nonprofit organization that works hard to provide educational programs, resources, and the challenge of friendly competition between participating communities around the country. 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.
In 2016, Lewisburg received first place in the America In Bloom competition, as judges ranked Lewisburg best in the 3,500-6,000 population category at an awards ceremony in Arroyo Grande, CA. In 2017, Lewisburg won the America In Bloom competition for the 3,500 – 10,000 population category at the 2017 Symposium in Holliston, MA.
Then, in 2018, Lewisburg won the Circle of Champions in the “tall” population category (other categories included “venti” and “grande”) at the 2018 America In Bloom Symposium in Lexington, KY. Lewisburg was also the winner of the Coolest Downtown special award, one of ten surprise awards announced during the symposium. Lewisburg received an eight star rating out of a possible 10 stars, and received special recognition for its flowers.
Lewisburg has also been awarded designation as a “Tree City USA” every year since 2003, and along with the America In Bloom efforts, was named the Best Small Town in West Virginia by Southern Living in 2018, following the Coolest Small Town in America title won by the city in 2011 from Budget Travel.
This year, in preparation for the judges’ arrival, a community cleanup day will be held on Monday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Anyone wishing to help out is invited to meet at City Hall promptly at 10 a.m. to get your work assignments.
Building owners are encouraged to spruce up their buildings by freshening up trim with a new coat of paint, washing off street grime, hiding unused wires, pulling weeds, and picking up litter. Shop owners are asked to also wash windows, clean up cobwebs, sweep the sidewalk, and tidy storefronts.
Approved “open” flags are available at wholesale from High Country Gallery for any shop that would like one. The city says that their America In Bloom banners will be flying over the sidewalks, as well.
If you have questions about this event and how you can help, contact Shannon Beatty with the Lewisburg in Bloom Committee at City Hall.
The color scheme this year is purple, orange, and lime green, along with the classic red dragonwing begonias in Lewisburg’s hanging baskets. (Photo courtesy of the Lewisburg Foundation)
