Lewes in Bloom May Day flower basket judging entries due April 25

Lewes in Bloom is sponsoring its second annual Lewes May Day celebration Sunday, May 1.

Merchants and residents of Lewes are encouraged to take part in the age-old tradition of greeting spring by adorning front doors or front steps with a basket of fresh flowers or fresh floral bouquet.

Lewes in Bloom will hold a judging of the baskets for ribbon awards in two categories – one for business participants and one for residential entries. The deadline to enter for judging is Monday, April 25, and floral displays must be in place by 10 a.m. May 1 to be judged.

There will be first- and second-place awards in each category, plus a ribbon award for most original basket. Also, all children under 14 who enter a May basket in the judging will win a ribbon. A form to enter the May basket judging is available online only at lewesinbloom.org/may-day. 

Entering the May basket judging is optional, but Lewes in Bloom encourages residents to join the decorating and restore the tradition of honoring May Day with fresh flowers on their doors. Decorating can be as simple as tying flowers from one’s yard with a ribbon to a doorknob, or as elaborate as hanging a basket or wreath with flower bouquets.

Anyone who doesn't have a garden with flowers to gather can consider buying a May basket or bouquet from a local florist or constructing an original basket with flowers from a supermarket.

Lewes in Bloom volunteers began this new floral May Day initiative last year and are looking forward to seeing even more residents joining the celebration in 2022.