Last-minute cleanups are in order because the Communities in Bloom (CIB) national judges are arriving in Humboldt to begin their judging Friday.
This year, our fair city will once again compete at the national level against other cities in the 5,001- 10,000 population range, from Amherst, N.S. to Vegreville, Alta.
With a name like "Communities in Bloom", one assumes the main focal point for judges will be flower beds and park gardens but that's not the case; evaluation criteria ranges from the city's heritage conservation to tidiness and community involvement.
Last year was the first time Humboldt competed in the CIB competition at the national level, and walked away with five blooms (the highest ranking) narrowly missing out on first place to Jasper, Alta.
The city was given specific recognition by the judges for the reclamation of Water Ridge Park but according to the 2012 official evaluation form, there were many more areas of Humboldt the judges lauded.
In the report, the JCI spray park was heralded as a great innovation for its water feature being controlled and then reclaimed in the pond for irrigation, and other environmental programs like the memorial tree program and the community garden were applauded.
In terms of heritage conservation, the judges were impressed with Humboldt's reuse of existing historic buildings, such as turning the old post office into the Humboldt & District Museum & Gallery, as well as having murals alongside buildings and the Humboldt & District Heritage Garden to entice tourists with Humboldt's rich history.
There were many more areas that were praised but also some that could use room for improvement.
While the judges observed that residential streets were kept tidy and free of litter and other debris, they suggested that backyard lanes could use a quick tidy-up, ridding the areas of litter, garbage and weeds.
As much as the judges were impressed with the trails erected by the Humboldt Community Trails committee, their report reminded the group to maintain trails that come under their authority.
But the report was encouraging, suggesting the local CIB committee create a door tag to hang anonymously on the front doors of homes with outstanding landscapes, or create a care urn program, where a predesigned floral display would be placed on Humboldt's grave sites to prevent the growth of unsightly flowers and weeds.
All the suggestions were positive and uplifting and it's apparent the city has taken them to heart.
Darrell Lessmeister, director of leisure services for the City of Humboldt, said this is apparent by the numerous flower pots that line the streets, filled with fresh blooms and soon to be adorned with the Communities in Bloom logo, an idea that was first suggested in last year's report.
"We've gotten tons of requests from local businesses to have those flower pots outside their store," Lessmeister said. "It just adds a little something to the downtown area."
The pots were actually designed by Bob Saretsky, a Humboldt native who also designed the city's benches and entry signs.
Lessmeister said the city has really progressed over the years since it first entered the CIB program in 2006. From the new park signs to painted fire hydrants, these are all initiatives spurred by the CIB committee in partnership with local organizations.
And the old CN railway station, which has devolved into a historic eyesore over recent years, won't be a deduction in the heritage conservation category.
"That property is owned by CN and isn't under the city's jurisdiction," Lessmeister said. "We only get evaluated on areas and properties the city owns and has control over."
Of course, there are some areas that look better than others and the two judges, Jim Baird from New Brunswick and Berta Briggs from Alberta, will spend all day Friday touring the city, taking a look at the golf course, parks system, trails, historical landmarks and residential areas, just to name a few.
The last one there is key and Lessmeister encourages Humboldt residents to do a quick tidy-up of their yard.
"Take pride in your property," he said, harkening back to the judges' advice in the 2012 report that back lanes should be removed of all garbage bags, clutter and unsightly weeds.
If everyone does their part, the city is sure to do even better than last year, when Jasper only defeated Humboldt by a hair.
Maybe this year, the city will emerge victorious but really, the program itself is the reward.
As mentioned by CIB in their 2012 report, the core of the organization is to instil pride, a sense of community and accomplishment in residents.
Moreover, in the long run, residents can benefit financially "through community tourism initiatives, business opportunities and other related projects."
