The bleak, gray snows that have blanketed the city seem to make the idea of spring ever coming simply a fantasy.

However, the cold winter hasn’t chilled the enthusiasm of those in Ironton In Bloom. With just one meeting under their belts, those in the civic organization are already warming up to their annual beautification projects.

“Right now people are looking forward to spring,” Carol Allen, IIB co-chair, said.

Allen was recently elected co-chair along with Juanita Dalton. Secretary this year is Maria Oakes and Treasurer is Cindy Caskey.

But to continue those projects IIB, starting its fourth year, needs to find new funding sources.

“What we have to do is come up with a marketing plan and how we are going to raise $40,000,” Allen said.

That’s what it costs to buy the summer and winter plantings, plus pay the monthly maintenance fees.

“We have to have that actually by the end of October,” Allen said. “We have to make a down payment for the flowers and we get billed at the end of every month beginning in June (for maintenance).”

May 14 is the date for the annual spring plantings and plant sale. That follows the community-wide cleanup the Saturday before on May 7.

“That always starts things off,” Allen said. “Let’s get the spring house cleaning done and then add the flowers.”

As Allen sees it, the organization’s projects enable all walks of life to participate in beautifying their hometown, whether it is the yard of the month or business competitions.

“We are getting more and more community members and businesses involved in making their own personal differences,” she said. “Everyone wants to do something. I think Ironton in Bloom gives them the opportunity. It is more than just beautification. We are very concerned about the plantings of trees and the environment.

“Ironton in Bloom gives people an opportunity to be involved. They can serve as a judge or buy flowers or buy bulbs and plant them or give them as gifts or fix up their own yard to make it beautiful.”

Ironton isn’t alone in feeling the funding pinch, Allen said.

“The Tri-State is becoming more involved but they are having the same problems as we are — how to pay for it,” she said. “Huntington has cut their plans down. But they have found some funding sources, where individuals have made substantial contributions.”

These kinds of beautification projects can be a way to bring in needed tourist dollars, Allen said.

“If we can get people to come to the Tri-State, they are eating and buying,” she said. “We want this town to grow. There is a real economic positive about this Ironton in Bloom philosophy.”

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to Ironton in Bloom, may do so by sending it to P.O. Box 4599, Ironton, OH 45638. The organization meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Ironton City Center at 5:30 p.m.