Lewes put on display for Communities in Bloom judges

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.