As the America In Bloom judges enter our city Friday morning, we want to give them a wonderful first impression and extend our arms wide as we greet them with our special brand of Ironton hospitality.

You can help us to make this happen. Please look at your own property as if you were seeing it for the first time.

Notice if the weeds in the sidewalk/curb are pulled, mow your lawn, and create a warm and inviting appearance.

We will be riding through at least 80 percent of Ironton during the two days the judges are with us. You can make a positive statement of community pride.

Friday evening, from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., Ironton In Boom is hosting a community picnic at Depot Square on 2nd Street. The judges will be there to meet and talk with you about how you feel about this project and our community.

We will be serving hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

On Wednesday (tomorrow), we are having a downtown clean-up from 6 p.m. until dark.

Come to 2nd and Vernon streets with gloves, trowels, brooms, dust pans, weed eaters, tree loppers, etc., and tackle a block. Since May 3, our last clean-up, the weeds have enjoyed the heat and rain as much as our petunias!

Ironton In Bloom is all about partnership, responsibility, pride, and love of community. Join us this week as we make a positive first and lasting impression on the America In Bloom judges.

On behalf of co-chairman Randy Lilly and myself, we hope to see Ironton earn some positive national recognition. You can make this happen!

Carol Allen

Ironton In Bloom Co-Chair