Get your gardening pants on, because Strathmore is taking part in this year's Communities in Bloom (CiB) contest!

CiB is a volunteer and partnership-driven organization that inspires communities to beautify and create community pride through plants and the environment. 

Strathmore participated in the provincial contest in 2018 and earned an impressive score of 5/5 blooms. However, that wasn't enough to win, as Brooks took the prize home. This year, CiB spokesperson Rob Pririe hopes Strathmore can earn the win and compete in nationals. He says Strathmore has what it takes.

"We have a lot to brag about. In 2018 the judges were impressed with our downtown, and it was only half done. Our pathway system is very extensive, and thanks to the town's partnership with Western Irrigation District our pathway system is something to brag about," he said.

Participating communities are judged on six categories: community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays. It takes an entire community to earn a good score and cover such a wide range of categories. Pririe believes the community will step up.

"Community involvement is always something Strathmore residents have long done. Whether it's planting trees, the annual cleanup in the spring, or volunteering in the Strathmore stampede, residents of Strathmore have a long history of being involved in our community."

While volunteering is a big way to contribute, everyone can participate in smaller ways as well.

"We are encouraging residents and the business committee to join in our endeavor in making Strathmore look as great as it can. This can be done by picking up garbage, trimming the grass, and pulling a few weeds. It will take everyone in the community doing their part."

Judging will take place on August 4.

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