Volunteers who transformed downtown flowerbeds into red, white and blue displays for Marion's America 250 celebration have been recognized through Downtown Marion Inc.'s annual Adopt-a-Flowerbed contest, according to a community announcement. The organization recently announced winners for the program's fourth season, which includes three dozen planting sites throughout downtown.
The contest is coordinated by Downtown Marion's design committee, a group focused on improving the appearance of downtown streetscapes. Design committee members Lori Stevenson and Pat Case served as judges.
First place went to Junior Service Guild for its flowerbed at the southwest corner of State and Center streets.
"They always incorporate attractive decorations in addition to their flowers and were exceptionally on-theme this year," Stevenson said.
Stevenson said the group has participated every year and refreshes its display throughout the seasons.
Second place was awarded to a first-time team from First Presbyterian Church led by Mary Ann Jenkins. The flowerbed, located in front of the church on South Prospect Street, features a red, white and blue floral display.
Third place went to Wings of an Angel for a flowerbed on the west side of the courthouse. According to the announcement, the organization serves disabled adults and created an American flag design using flowers and handmade stepping stones that recognize participants in its RISE program who helped with the planting.
Judges said selecting winners was difficult and also recognized two flowerbeds with honorable mentions.
Jennifer Fosnaugh of 3rd Generation Movers received an honorable mention for a flowerbed on the east side of the Marion County Building. Another honorable mention went to the Yachiyo-Motherson team led by Dee Howard for its planting at the northwest corner of South Main and Church streets.
According to the announcement, both flowerbeds embraced the America 250 theme with abundant red, white and blue flowers.
Downtown Marion also recognized Tom Trout of the City of Marion for watering adopted flowerbeds throughout the season.
According to the announcement, Trout plants and maintains dozens of large planters downtown and helped bring three petunia trees to Founders Park. The structures were built at Marion Correctional Institution, while the flowers were purchased through a grant from Marion Community Foundation.
The Altrusa Club of Marion also was recognized for planting more than 40 flower baskets displayed on downtown light poles.
"The overall effect is an impactful and beautiful display of red, white, and blue throughout the downtown as we celebrate America 250 in Marion," Stevenson said. "We wish to thank our large and enthusiastic group of volunteers for their time and green thumbs and for caring about downtown Marion."
Additional participants in this year's program included Robbie Apt, Coldwell Banker Realty, Boys & Girls Club of Marion, Gary Cook, Scott Crider, Debbie Dailey, Amber Deem, Paige Endsley and the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities siblings group, First Citizens National Bank, Graphics Packaging, Taryn Hensel, Wendy Howell for G&J Auto Body, City of Marion, Marion County Recycling & Litter Prevention, Marion Lions Club, OSU Extension, Jennifer Prather, Elaine Strine, Stump Senior Services Agency, TRECA, United Federal Credit Union, United Way of Marion County and Cheryl Wickersham.
Downtown Marion Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting business growth, community engagement and downtown development. Those interested in volunteering can call 740-802-7329 for information.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Downtown Marion Inc. names winners in Adopt-a-Flowerbed contest