On April 10th members of the Bloomington In Bloom (BIB) committee, along with 60 volunteers, delivered 4,000 door hangers to members of the community that are either on, or near, the judges' route. The materials provided include an informational brochure, a list of helpful tips and items community members can utilize to help the BIB effort, a list of plants that incorporate the BIB Red, White & U theme, and an order form to support our Hanging Basket Flower Sale.

Who determined the route?

A group of professionals including members of Bloomington Board of REALTORS (BBOR) and City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation employees took an in-depth look at Bloomington, and mapped out the route deciding how the judges would travel the city in order to accomplish two main objectives: 1) showcase the best of Bloomington as it relates to the eight judging categories 2) allow the judges to explore 85% of the city in their two day visit.

Why am I on the route?

The route was determined by looking to accomplish two main objectives: 1) showcase the best of Bloomington as it relates to the eight judging categories 2) allow the judges to explore 85% of the city in their two day visit.

What can I do to help?

The information provided in the door hangers, and alternatively by the links above, should give you numerous ideas of how to do your part. If you would like to be further involved in preparing for the judges visit, email our Steering Committee chairperson, Gretchen Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What can I expect when the judges are in town?

Should you be out and about, you may see the judges pass by while touring the route. The judges have been known to briefly visit with members of the community to determine if they are aware of Bloomington In Bloom. However, we assure you that there will be no disruption to your daily activities when the judges visit.

What is Bloomington in Bloom?

Bloomington In Bloom is a collaborative effort by BBOR, the City, and IU to enter Bloomington into the America In Bloom competition.

What is America In Bloom?

America In Bloom® is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification: http://www.AmericaInBloom.org

Why is Bloomington competing?

· To identify areas in the community that could use improvement

· To increase resources, through collaboration, allowing more projects to get completed

· Judging provides a wonderful & inexpensive opportunity to have a trained, non-citizen evaluate our city and recommend what we can do to make it better

· To provide nationwide recognition for the beautiful city of Bloomington

What value does it bring to our community?

· Other communities have paid thousands of dollars to have a private firm evaluate their city’s needs in a similar manner

· Puts Bloomington in an elite category of communities who have taken the initiative to enter the competition

· Nationwide recognition for the beautiful city of Bloomington

What are we being judged on?

Bloomington will be judged on:

· Community Involvement

· Environmental Effort

· Floral Displays

· Heritage

· Landscaped Areas

· Tidiness

· Turf & Groundcover

· Urban Forestry