Communities in Bloom judges make local stop

Morning Star Published: July 15, 2011 1:00 AM 
Greater Vernon is preparing for competition.  National Communities in Bloom judges will arrive Monday, and the Vernon Communities in Bloom committee has been busy preparing the final details. “There are so many areas of our city that we are proud of, and we would like to show them all to the judges. However, time is limited,” said Tannis Nelson, with the committee.  ‘The sites chosen must reflect our beautiful city as well as highlight the various categories that are part of the Communities in Bloom judging criteria. This year there are six categories: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas and turf, and floral displays.”  Taking all of this into consideration, a route has been selected.  The selected tour stops are as follows: Cenotaph Park, Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Silver Star Foothills reservoir,  the Grey Canal Trail, the Vernon Farmer’s Market, Polson Park, the Vernon Community Arts Centre, a Vernon heritage tour (East Hill), the West Vernon community garden, Davison Orchards, the airport, Marshall Fields, the Vernon sewer treatment plant, the Bean Scene, BX Creek wetlands, City of Vernon yards, BX Daylilies and the Best Western Plus Vernon Lodge.  “Although these are the formal stops, the judges will also see more of our city along the way, such as the 20th Street improvements, the beautiful floral baskets of our downtown streets, and the well-maintained neighborhoods through which they will be travelling,” said Nelson. The public is invited to visit these sites.  “Communities in Bloom signs will be posted at each site Sunday, the day before the tour,” said Nelson. “The signs will be left in place for a few days to give you the opportunity to go have a look.”