August 2 was judging day in Strathmore for Communities in Bloom(CiB). This year Strathmore took part in the provincial competition, and with that brought two judges to town to experience all that Strathmore has to offer.

Communities in Bloom is a non-profit organization that aims partly to foster civic pride. In the provincial edition of the competition, communities participate within population categories. Judges evaluate communities on eight categories and award them a rating of one to five blooms at an awards ceremony.

“We were very pleased with how things went,” said Rob Pirie chairman of Strathmore Communities in Bloom. “The judges I think were very impressed from the start,” he said. The judges stayed at the Travelodge, and were presented with a gift basket that included wine from Field Stone, beer from Origin Malting and Brewing, mustard from Cian’s Mustard,and products from Sweetsmith Candy Co., Kranks’ Gourmet and more.

The judges received greetings from the town council, and were taken on a tour of the community, chauffeured by councilor Denise Peterson and members of CiB.

Pirie explained that the local committee will find out the results of the judging at the end of September. ”They were very impressed with the waste management, Cody Huxted and the composting there, which is very impressive. I’m not sure a lot of people in Strathmore realize the fact that we compost this and they take it and sell it,” he said.

“It is really quite something for a small community,” said Pirie.

“The other thing they were quite impressed with was the Credit Union and the Eagle Lake (nursery) support of the Birth Forest. They thought that was amazing sponsorship over the years,” he said. Their sponsorship has been in place for over 10 years.

The Birth Forest began as a concept where when a child is born to the community, a tree is planted for them.

“They commented on the town’s downtown revitalization. They thought the greenery the trees were impressive,” he said. The judges also participated in a walking app tour, courtesy the Western District Historical Society.

“The Western District Historical Society’s, Rhonda Stockwell , Lynne Fair and Tom Sadler met us at what we call the Station Park,” he said.

“They had pictures, they were dressed up and they went through how Strathmore came to be and about why the area is significant. They of course walked with us, along with 16 kids from Japan who were here for an international camp at Golden Hills,” said Pirie. “They thought the app was really quite something,” he said.

“If there’s one area in the past in Strathmore that we really haven’t had, is heritage conservation,” he said. The judges visited the former CPR Demonstration supply farm and were given a presentation by Bruce Klaiber.

Pirie explained that sunflowers planted at the site are now blooming. “They had sunflowers out at every table,” he said.

The CiB Symposium and Awards Ceremonies will be held on September 26 to 29 at Strathcona County. That Saturday will be the Alberta CiB Provincial Awards Luncheon and the National and International Awards Ceremonies and Banquet Dinner. Each community will also be given a grading breakdown of their evaluation. A report on the community evaluation will be presented to Strathmore town council.

Pirie explained that personally he is proud of what has been accomplished in the community.

“Strathmore has really changed, the pathways and the trees that have been planted. I think it has really come a long way,” he said.

“I think we are very pleased in what has happened in the town,” he said. Pirie said there’s been a shift in the last 10 years. “I think that’s good,” he said.

“You look at the trees that the town plants. We as communities in bloom plant 45 every year. The town plants another 100 caliper trees each year. That’s significant.”

“I think that is something to be proud of,” he said. Mayor Pat Fule and members of council also answered questions from the judges.

“I think it was truly a group effort, not just Communities in Bloom,” said Pirie.