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Turner Valley green thumbs invited to bloom in contest

The Town of Turner Valley is encouraging businesses and residents to showcase the hard work, talent and creativity they’ve put into their yards in its second annual Bloomin’ Turner Valley contest.
Creative Kids Ellie
Ellie Kronstal placed first for Best Creative Kids' Corner in last year's Bloomin' Turner Valley contest. The contest will kick off this year in late spring. (Photo Submitted)

The hard work, talent and creativity residents and merchants are putting into their yards this spring could reap some monetary benefits by early summer.

The Town is hosting its second annual Bloomin’ Turner Valley contest, a friendly competition that encourages residents to nominate friends, family members, businesses, organizations and even themselves in five beautification categories.

The contest was launched last spring at the suggestion of Deputy Mayor Jonathan Gordon.

“It really is about that ongoing community engagement and taking pride in the community,” Gordon said in an interview. “I want to see it develop and obviously expand in that regard. There is a will of council to see that happen.”

To comply with Alberta Health Services’ COVID-19 restrictions, contestants must submit their entries, and images if possible, virtually to [email protected]. The entries will be authenticated by site visits from councillors and administration with permission and physical distancing.

The deadline for submissions is July 5.

Gordon said he’s excited to see how residents are beautifying their yards as one of this year’s judges. Assisting Gordon with judging will be councillors John Waring and Lana Hamilton.

“I got private messages from people already wondering if we were going to continue it,” Gordon said. “I might even go around with my camera to see if I can submit an application on behalf of residents and businesses.”

The five categories remain the same as last year: Home Grown Favourite (residential flower display); Best Business or Non-residential Display; Community Spirit (a garden/flower project that inspires), Conservation and Environmental (use of xeriscaping, water conservation and recycled materials) and Creative Kids’ (flowers, vegetables, bee boxes, bat houses and bird houses).

Winners will be announced for each category by July 16 and awarded $100. Last year’s winners are welcome to apply again.

Turner Valley town council passed a motion at its May 3 meeting to bring the contest back and allocate a maximum of $600 from the Town’s Community Support Grant to support the competition.

The suggestion of running the contest again was brought forward by Monique LeBlanc, community services and business development manager.

“It was very well participated in and it was a means by which we could encourage Turner Valley residents to participate in something that was fun and wasn’t too much effort, although gardening for some, especially me, can be a challenge,” she told council. “It’s meant to lift spirits and encourage community pride.”

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