Weyburn has been entered into the national Communities in Bloom competition for 2004 to help beautify the city for the 2004 Saskatchewan Summer Games.

Communities in Bloom is a provincial and national contest that will judge the city on its tidiness, community involvement, environmental awareness, landscaped areas and floral displays.

The program first began in 1995 with 29 municipalities taking part, and now over 400 municipalities from all provinces and territories will be involved.

City tourism coordinator Donna Hastings said the program is based on promoting community action and involvement in improving tidiness, appearance and the visual appeal of our neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees.

The city is asking residents to keep the competition in mind when making their gardening plans for this spring. Hastings noted the theme colours this year are yellow, blue and green to coincide with the Summer Games.

"We have a very beautiful, tidy and clean city, so let's boast a little and let the rest of Canada know we are proud of our community," said Hastings.