Bobcaygeon has earned a prestigious 4 Blooms with a Special Mention for Community Involvement, as well as two awards for Ontario's top scores in Floral Displays and Environmental Action. Martin Quinn, Community in Blooms National Director, announced the results of the 2018 Bobcaygeon entry at a ceremony at Kawartha Coffee on Saturday, October 6th...

Bobcaygeon's multi-group effort competed against other Ontario towns with populations between 1,501 and 5,000. Winning 4 blooms out of a possible 5 is considered an exceptional accomplishment for a first-time attempt.

“That moment while we awaited the official announcement was a heart-pounder,” says volunteer Bonnie Harris. “This was an all-new challenge for all of us. When we heard the judges' decision, a huge cheer went up, but I could still hear sighs of relief. It was a powerful validation of everyone's joint efforts. We know we're building relationships that form a firm foundation for future projects, but having our effort recognized so visibly is the icing on the cake.”

Along with beautification of the entire village, participation in the program brings many benefits. It promotes green and sustainable initiatives, serves as a way to share best practices, and successful entrants often see an increase in tourism to the area. It also increases civic pride -- “People, Plants & Pride . . .Growing Together” is top-of-page for Communities in Bloom.

“The Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom team would like to thank Bobcaygeon’s amazing business owners, organizations, residents, cottagers, and the City of Kawartha Lakes staff who worked together to help put our best foot forward for Bobcaygeon’s Communities in Bloom effort this summer,” says Ann Adare, leader of the multi-group team. “Volunteers pitched in and helped where they were needed and groups shared their resources – so many showed up and donated their most precious commodity, their time. From stepping up to help save an island; creating, planting and maintaining our gardens, trails and parks; picking up trash left behind or participating in one of many fundraisers and everything else in between — looking around at what we have accomplished, we can be so proud of our village of Bobcaygeon. Individually we had achieved a great deal but working together we have accomplished so much more.”

For more information about Bobcaygeon's Communities in Bloom project and a list of all those who helped make it a success, see www.BobcaygeonCommunitiesInBloom.com