The Village of Bluffton will participate in the 2017 America in Bloom national awards program.

Bluffton council voted to support the community’s entry by approving the $1,099 entry fee during its Feb. 13 meeting. The request for funding came from the village Tree Commission. The council, at the recommendation of Mayor Judy Augsburger, will use funding from its hotel-motel tax as the entry fee.

During the spring or summer a group of America in Bloom judges visit Bluffton to score the community.

The participation requires the mayor to form a local “In Bloom” committee. Once the committee is formed, the following steps take place.

•  Survey, plan, implement.
Inventory your community’s assets, interests, and abilities in each of the evaluated areas. Encourage volunteers of every demographic to participate. Develop an itinerary for the judges’ tour.

•  Host the judges (they will be in your community for two days).
Two professional volunteer America in Bloom judges will visit the community. Provide lodging for up to three nights and provide a comprehensive tour for them.

•  Attend the America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program.
At the symposium and awards, you will get ideas by networking with other participants.

•  After the Symposium and Awards Program.
Review the judges’ evaluation report. Use it as a template and springboard for new projects and programs. Register to enter the America in Bloom awards program for next year.

Awards
• Each community receives a bloom rating, score, and a special recognition for efforts in one of the evaluated areas.

• Winners in each population category are invited to advance to international competition.

• Recognition of a noteworthy project.

• Outstanding achievement awards for Overall Impression, Environmental Efforts, Heritage Preservation, Urban Forestry, Landscaped Areas, Floral Displays, and Community Involvement,

• Community Champion Award honors an individual who exempflies community leadership and demonstrates vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward.

• YouTube Video Award is open to current and past participants and offers a cash prize for the video that best shows the impact of America in Bloom participation on a community.

• Special awards (different each year)