The International Challenge involves winners from different National Programs (Communities in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, America in Bloom, Tidy Towns of Ireland, Japan in Bloom, Entente Florale and others) competing with each other based on population categories. Communities in Bloom organizes the International Challenge (logistics, scheduling, and information) in partnership with America in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and Tidy Towns of Ireland.
The program consists of communities receiving information and being evaluated by an international jury on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional sectors, citizens) on eight key criteria: Tidiness, Environmental Awareness, Community Involvement, Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation, Urban Forestry, Landscaped Areas, Floral Displays, and Turf & Groundcovers. The evaluation takes place in July and August.
Communities pay a registration fee (based on population), provide accommodations for the jury (2 international judges) while in their community (Communities in Bloom is responsible for travel between countries);
The judges visit the community for 1 to 2 days (as community involvement is an important element) using the Communities in Bloom Evaluation Form.
The Awards are presented during the Communities in Bloom National Awards. The 2010 National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies, hosted by Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia (Atlantic Canada) will be held from October 27 to 30, 2010. International Finalists are provided with promotional opportunities during the events.
For registration information, please contact Ann Carrière, Executive Director (anncarriere@cib-cef.com or 514-694-8871)
Sincerely,
Ted Blowes, National Chairman
Communities in Bloom