While spring is slow to arrive in Weyburn, residents preparing for its arrival are reminded of the City of Weyburn's involvement once again with the Communities in Bloom competition.

Weyburn won their population category, between 5,001-10,000, at the provincial level for this competition in 2004, and this has given the city the right to represent Saskatchewan in its Centennial year at the national level in the same category.

This national contest will judge the city on its tidiness, community involvement, environmental awareness, landscaped areas, floral displays, parks, open spaces and imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees.

Communities in Bloom is a non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification.

Weyburn's tourism and parks boards will combine efforts to help promote the city's involvement in this competition, including spearheading the annual Clean-up campaign, holding the Yahoo For Your Yard contest and Business in Bloom planters throughout the city.

There will be two new events added this year, including a novice gardener's yard contest, and garden tours to be arranged during the Homecoming 2005 celebrations in August as part of the Centennial.

As gardeners are making plans for this year's projects, they are asked to keep in mind the theme colour of red, to coincide with the dominant colour in the Centennial logo. Gardeners are also welcome to use their own colour scheme as well.

For further information about this year's Communities in Bloom projects or the competition, contact tourism coordinator Donna Hastings at City Hall.