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Lewes put on display for Communities in Bloom judges

Judges (l-r) Larry Hall of Canada and Bernadette Solon of Ireland pose for a photo with Lewes in Bloom founder Warren Golde during their tour of Lewes. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
July 30, 2018
Dianne Stevens of Lewes snaps a photo of a butterfly as her grandson Blake Stevens looks on.
Sue Townsend makes sure the flowers are perfect for the judges.
Sue Townsend cleans up the flower beds just before the judges arrive.
The judges and Lewes in Bloom volunteers gather in 1812 Park during their tour of the city.
Tour guide David Beck, left, leads judge Bernadette Solon through 1812 Park.
Judge Larry Hall, left, and 1812 Park patron John Long discuss the history of the park.
Judge Larry Hall takes notes as he tours 1812 Park.
Judge Bernadette Solon, center, asks a question as she’s escorted by 1812 Park patron John Long and Lewes in Bloom’s Board Secretary and tour guide David Beck, right.
Judge Larry Hall of Canada checks out 1812 Park.
Lewes in Bloom volunteer Sue Crawford shares a laugh with Deb Milkosky while cleaning up before the judges arrive.
Lewes in Bloom volunteer Dianne Stevens of Lewes cleans up the pots along Front Street with her grandson Blake Stevens, 9, of Middletown, Md.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long talks about her Sussex County roots at the breakfast reception.
Mayor Ted Becker welcomes the judges to Lewes.
Celebrating the judges’ visit to Lewes are (l-r) Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton; Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes; Larry Hall, judge; Nancy Phillips, Lewes in Bloom board co-chair; Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long; Bernadette Solon, judge; Warren Golde, Lewes in Bloom founder; and Lewes Mayor Ted Becker. FRED PHILLIPS PHOTO

Elected officials and volunteers came together July 23 to show off the beauty of Lewes. Two judges from Communities in Bloom evaluated the city as part of the International Challenge for medium-sized municipalities.

The judging process began the moment Lewes in Bloom volunteers picked up judges Larry Hall of Canada and Bernadette Solon of Ireland at the Philadelphia airport July 22. The day-long tour of Lewes kicked off with a breakfast reception at the Lewes Yacht Club, where Mayor Ted Becker welcomed the judges and briefly discussed the importance Lewes puts on its appearance. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long drove down for Dover to meet the judges. Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, also attended the breakfast to show their support.

The judges then visited many of the city’s parks, floral displays and gardens before lunch at Black Hog Farm on New Road. The tour continued until an evening reception at the Lewes History Museum. 

Lewes is competing against Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada; Killarney-Turtle Mountain, Manitoba, Canada; Jasper, Alberta, Canada; Novi Vinodolski, Croatia; and Stettler, Alberta, Canada. 

The national and international results will be announced in Strathcona County, Alberta, during the symposium and awards ceremonies Sept. 26-29.

In 2015, Lewes was the named the winner of the Champions Category for small towns at the America in Bloom Symposium in Holland, Mich. Lewes has previously won America in Bloom honors in 2010, 2005 and 2003.

To learn more about Communities in Bloom, go to www.communitiesinbloom.ca. 

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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams. 

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