St. Charles named 'Best of the Best' in America in Bloom awards program
St. Charles took home top honors in the America in Bloom national awards program, winning the Circle of Champions award for its population category, 25,000-75,000.
The competition was all other former champion cities that, like St. Charles, had previously won in this population category.
The award was presented at the annual America in Bloom National Conference in Lexington, Kentucky Sept. 27-28.
Next year, St. Charles will be the host city for the symposium and awards program.
Two America in Bloom judges visited St. Charles July 16-17, and toured floral displays, landscaped areas and environmental project sites.
The judges also reviewed St. Charles' heritage preservation and urban forestry efforts, in addition to noting community involvement and overall community impression. St. Charles received nine starts out of 10 in the judges' final evaluation.
"The judges were extremely impressed with the level of community participation and the collaborative effort of several of our community groups," said America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee co-chair Diane Cullen. "We look forward to 2019 when representatives from participating cities will come to St. Charles for the Symposium and Awards Program. It offers another chance to showcase our beautiful city to the entire America in Bloom community."
Maureen Lewis, America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee co-chair and the city's Ward 5 Alderman, is looking forward to welcoming America in Bloom visitors to St. Charles
"Three hundred to 400 attendees from cities around the country will gather right here in St. Charles to hear the results of the 2019 program judging," Lewis said "We're excited to have them come to our community."
America in Bloom - St. Charles Committee would like to extend its gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors that made this year's entry in the awards program a success. It is truly a community effort that could not have taken place without, the generosity of our sponsors, the support of local businesses, or the dedication of our many volunteers.
Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.