HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The apparent love affair between the city of Holland and the America in Bloom competition continues.
Hosting the nationwide urban beautification awareness program’s symposium and awards ceremony for the first time over the weekend, the Tulip City came away with two honors. Holland has only participated in America in Bloom for the past five years, and for the fifth year in a row, it has captured an Outstanding Achievement Award, taking top honors in Floral Displays for the second year running.
In addition, Holland beat out Arroyo Grande, California, Estes Parks, Colorado and Washington, Missouri to claim the Champions Category Award for Mid-Sized Cities, as this category only pits communities that have won three previous honors in this program. Holland also received a “five-bloom” rating from program judges, the highest such consideration, for the fifth year running.
While there was no direct financial reward for these honors, AIB officials say that all participants get “increased synergy among government, business and residents while everyone works towards a common goal with visable results,” and that “studies show that quality landscapes can lower crime rates, brings tourism through national attention, increases tax revenue, benefits local businesses and increases civic pride.”
During the three-day annual America in Bloom Symposium that ended on Saturday night, attendees not only heard from a number of speakers, but had opportunities to tour Holland landmarks and its downtown district under ideal weather conditions.
