Demopolis in Bloom celebrates six years

From left, Barbara Blevins, Sheryl Cunningham, Amy McGee and Mike Randall. (WAW | Jan McDonald)

Transformed into a spring garden, the Demopolis Civic Center Thursday was the setting for the celebration of the sixth year of Demopolis in Bloom.

“Tonight is a big celebration of who we are,” said Kirk Brooker, emcee for the event.

In giving a brief background of Demopolis in Bloom, Brooker said the city started a concentration on for beautification when Barbara Blevins became the head of the horticulture department. She got the city involved in America in Bloom which came to the city “to judge us,” Brooker said. “We actually did really well, and each year we did a little better,” even getting some national awards.

“Barbara took it and grew it into Demopolis in Bloom,” he continued, “We’re here because of what you’ve done,” he told the audience, “your volunteer hours, keeping your grass cut, keeping your yard looking good, keeping your business, doing the extra effort to make where we live look good.”

Volunteers, homeowners, businesses and sponsors received recognition for their efforts to make Demopolis beautiful. The 25 volunteer organizations were surprised with gifts of live trees donated by Green Valley Farms of Montevallo.

A water wall set under a pergola formed the focal point on the Civic Center stage. It was there Demopolis in Bloom earlier in the day held a workshop for gardeners on plants that do well in the Demopolis area, growing a cutting garden and turf building.

Photos of volunteers at work and the results of their efforts played on a large screen. Demopolis City Councilmen handed out certificates to each of the Demopolis in Bloom recipients in their district.

Candace Dorriety, executive director of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce, and John Scales, a member of the Demopolis in Bloom committee, conducted door prize drawings throughout the program.

Guests also visited the displays set up by more than 20 local vendors in the lobby of the Civic Center.

Volunteers recognized were the BWWMH Auxiliary, Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce, First United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry, Pilot Club, 17th Judicial Circuit Court/Livingston, West Alabama Watchman, Woody Dinner Jr., Kiwanis Club, Cemetery Board.

Also, Beautification Committee, DHS Football, DHS Baseball, DHS Community Endorsement Program, Advanced Disposal, Rowley recycling, Collins Communications, U.S. Corps of Engineers, WestRock, Boy Scout Troop 41, Cemex, Greene County Steam Plant, Rotary Club, Alabama Power, Demopolis Food Pantry, Lions Club.

Demopolis in Bloom recipients were:

  • District 1: Lisa Compton, Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Dial, Alabama Power, Robertson Bank Downtown, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Wallace, Teresa Monroe, Theo Ratliff Center, Willie Kennedy, Stay & Play Nursery.
  • District 2: Spiller Furniture, Mrs. Johnny Scott, Thelma Williams.
  • District 3: First South Farm Credit, Patsy Akins, Sonic
  • District 4: Mr. and Mrs. David Turner, James Nelson, Larry Stratton, Richard McDonald and Gerald Gilbert; Jennifer Overstreet and Ellen Hardy.
  • District 5: Demopolis Animal Control, Rex Flowers, and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Traeger, Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Pickle and Mr. and Mrs. Elliot.