The America in Bloom judges will be Bluffton all day Thursday and Friday of this week. Bluffton is participating in this national awards program for the first time.

A reception open to the public takes place at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 20, at the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club on Spring Street.

The judges will tour Bluffton  and score the community in various categories. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE VISIT.

Susie Stratton, assisting in Bluffton’s preparations for judging, suggests residents clean their yards, weed gardens and consider that the entire village is on display.

What is Bluffton’s involvement?
Bluffton council voted to support the community’s entry by approving the $1,099 entry fee in February. The request for funding came from the village Tree Commission.

Two America in Bloom judges will score the community on several levels during their visit. The judges will collect an inventory of the community’s assets, interests, and abilities in each of the evaluated areas.

As a participating community, Bluffton will receive a bloom rating, score, and is eligible to receive special recognition for efforts in one of the evaluated areas.

America in Bloom
America in Bloom provides a framework for continuous improvements in quality of life through its national awards program and educational offerings.

It is a friendly competition that serves the community as a unifier for the various non-profits, corporations, private citizens for a common goal. Its awards program can be used to generate enthusiasm and education for community-wide improvement projects.

It offers a comprehensive inexpensive survey of participanting villages and cities, is a community-building tool and program that, via the judges' evaluation, gives participants an annual list of issues to address.