The Communities in Bloom (CiB) Community Barbecue went off with flying colours at the 100 Mile House Community Hall courtyard July 16.
The sun was shining and so were the faces of the winners of various local awards presented by local organizers Angela Cole and Tom Bachynski.
Bachynski estimates more than 100 people joined the celebration to see who won and enjoyed the free hamburgers, hotdogs and icy-cold soft drinks donated by local clubs and businesses and prepared by CiB volunteers.
The ceremony was also witnessed by the CiB 2012 provincial judges Don Aldberg and Yvette May, who were introduced and welcomed to the community.
The judges were in town for a couple of days to have a gander at the gardens in the community in their role of awarding communities with CiB “blooms.”
Coles says there was a significant decrease in attendees from last year’s celebration, which was “disappointing,” but notes it was quite hot outside.
It was the gardeners and the “heart of the community” who turned out for the event, she adds.
“I liked recognizing the people who were there. The ones who … couldn’t be there were presented their awards the next day, and they were so thrilled.”
Cole adds she “loved” seeing the Cedar Crest Society for Community Living’s Green Team out in force in their matching shirts.
“That was a real positive thing.”
The local CiB winners, as chosen by 100 Mile Garden Club, were:
• Best Overall: the Kaluza home, 500 Horse Lake Rd.
• Best Garden: the Clary home, 249 N. Birch Ave.
• Best Curb Appeal: the Wieduwilts home, 945 Fraser Ave.
• Tidiest Block: the 900-block of Fraser Avenue.
• Best Backyard: the Atkin home, 235 Evergreen Cresc.
• Best Xeriscape: the Zielke home, 145 Evergreen Cresc.
Business category
• Best Floral Display: Carefree Manor
• Most Appealing Entrance: JD’s Salon
• Tidiest Property: Tyler’s Paint and Decor
• Special mention: 100 Mile Chevron, business challenge
