The 100 Mile House Communities in Bloom (CiB) committee will be holding a community barbecue on July 19 at Centennial Park, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration, and for a nominal donation, folks will be able enjoy the food and cheer on the community's best gardeners.
The 'Best Of' Awards will be announced during or shortly after the barbecue, says Tom Bachynski, one of the local CiB organizers.
Residential "best" categories include balcony/patio, herb/vegetable garden; xeriscape (dry landscape); front yard design; back yard; tidiest block; and best overall.
"Angela [Cole] and Shari [Bachynski] spent the weekend going to local residents and looking at what they have done," says Bachynski.
"Everyone they spoke to was very excited about the upcoming awards. They were excited just to be nominated."
Cole says they went to various neighbourhoods in 100 Mile House and were very impressed by the care that residents and businesses have taken for this campaign.
"We recognized different areas. There are some beautiful lots and blocks."
The CiB website states that communities that look successful are most likely to be successful. Whether a community's specific goals are to increase tourism, generate new economic development or simply to build civic pride.
This has been a learning experience, says Cole.
"We've learned that you need more than three months to do something like this. We have also learned that we are committed to doing this next year."
Besides involving residents and businesses, Bachynski says part of the responsibilities to participate in CiB program is preparing a community profile binder. He adds they have eight different components to speak to: urban forestry; community involvement; tidiness; floral displays; environmental action; turf and ground covers; and heritage conservation.
"We have to provide this booklet to the CiB judges, and as soon as possible, we will post it on the website so everyone can read it."
The program has been done on a shoestring budget, Bachynski says, adding he is very grateful for all the sponsors on board.
We could use some help with the accommodations and meals for the two nights and days that the judges will be here, he notes.
Financial help and or gift certificates would be appreciated, says Bachynski.
Expecting a lot of people for the barbecue, the CiB committee will need a volunteer with a Food Safe certificate to help out with the cooking.
People who are interested in helping can contact Bachynski at 250-395-4017.
The deadline for entries was July 13, but Bachynski and Cole say they won't turn anyone away. To register, e-mail 100milecib@gmail.com or call Cole at 250-706-2044.
