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Communities in Bloom judges set to scout Stettler on Monday

After winning the national Communities in Bloom competition last year, Stettler has planted its hopes for an international title.

After winning the national Communities in Bloom competition last year, Stettler has planted its hopes for an international title.

Judges come to town this Monday to scout Stettler’s natural beauty.

“We encourage residents and property owners to put their best forward to help make Stettler shine,” said Rob Spencer, who chairs the Heartland Beautification Committee of the Town of Stettler.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Stettler to compete at the international level.”

As national winners in its population category, Stettler automatically became eligible to compete in the international competition.

“We get judged on everything — it’s not just residential areas that judges will be evaluating, but also commercial and industrial areas,” said Spencer, who urges people to clean up their backyard and lane areas.

“We did well last year and we want to continue that.”

He’s already optimistic that judges will be impressed with what they see in Stettler.

“We’ve got lots of beautiful features and the community gardens look good this year,” said Spencer, who credits the Town of Stettler for its efforts.

“Town staff does an excellent job to keep the town looking beautiful.”

Berta Briggs, Lorna McIlroy and Diana Weiner are scheduled to evaluate and tour the town, which is competing in the category of “international challenge small.”

After meeting with town officials at 8:30 a.m., judges will spend the day assessing the community before an evening reception with organizers and invited guests.

Winners will be announced in Edmonton at the National Awards and Symposium, set for Oct. 10 to 13.

Communities are judged for tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and groundcovers, floral displays and community involvement.

Stettler is up against the Alberta communities of Forestburg and Gibbons; Trail, B. C.; Assiniboia, Sask.; Neepawa and Killarney-Turtle Mountain, Man.; Fogo, N.L.; Aya Town, Japan; Smrzice, Czech Republic, and St. Martin’s Parish, Guernsey, Channel Island, British Isles.

For more information, phone Spencer, other committee members, or the town office at 403-742-8305.