The little village that could did it again, winning five Blooms and taking home the provincial prize.
The annual Communities in Bloom awards ceremony took place in Whitecourt on Saturday, September 12, and the Village of Delia walked away with top honours. Not only did the village earn five Blooms, but also was the top community in Alberta with a population under 500.
“It an great honour for the community. It is one that everyone in the village takes part in and enjoys putting together,” said Dave Sisley, chair person of Delia Communities in Bloom.
The village was adjudicated in early August during the first of many rainstorms, which has characterized the last half of the summer season in the area. Despite this, they were able to dazzle the judges.
A couple endeavours that turned judges heads, according to Sisley included a new tree-planting program.
“This was a special set of trees donated by a former member that live in Delia. There were 24,12to14-foot mountain ash trees that we planted on Main Street and 1St. Avenue east and west,” said Sisley.
The village also received special recognition for the veteran memorial wall, installed this season.
The last time Communities in Bloom Delia entered the contest was 2012, and they were successful, earning five blooms.
With a five blooms and top provincial award, they may enter nationally.
“We have a meeting come up and at that time, if we get invited to take part in the nationals, we’ll decide whether we’ll try it,” said Sisley.
Members of Delia Communities in Bloom Rick and Eleanor Fair were in Whitecourt to receive the award on behalf of the village.