Oct 6, 2006
America In Bloom Announces AwardsSource: America In Bloom

America In Bloom (AIB) recently presented nine population category and eight criteria award winners at its fifth annual symposium and awards program in Eureka Springs, Ark. More than 200 people participated in this year’s conference that offered two days of educational sessions and learning tours.

AIB is a national campaign and contest that promotes enhancing communities through beautification. In the competition, communities are matched by population and evaluated on their efforts related to floral displays, urban forestry, landscaped areas, turf and groundcover, tidiness, environmental awareness, heritage conservation and community involvement.

During this past summer, a team of judges evaluated each city on the efforts of the entire community including residential neighborhoods, business and commercial areas, and municipal parks/grounds. Thirty cities took part in this year’s competition.

The 2006 population category winners are:

5,000 or less – Eureka Springs, Ark.
5,001-10,000 – Oberlin, Ohio
10,001-15,000 – Wickliffe, Ohio
15,001-20,000 – Greenfield, Ind.
25,001-50,000 – Columbus, Ind.
50,001-100,000 – Fayetteville, Ark.
University Campus – University of Missouri-Columbia
Small Business District – Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, New York City, N.Y.
Medium Business District – Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, New York City, N.Y.

Eight special awards were presented to the “best of the best” in all population categories and include :