Statement issued Monday by America in Bloom:

(COLUMBUS, OH): After months of anxious waiting, winners of the prestigious 2011 America in Bloom national awards program were announced at the annual awards held in Washington, DC on October 8.

America in Bloom executive director, Laura Kunkle, said, “Many towns tell us that they win just by participating. The program helps them step up involvement of residents, businesses, and the municipality to work on visible improvements.”

Shipshewana, IN was judged on eight criteria: tidiness, community involvement, environmental awareness, heritage, urban forestry, landscape, floral displays, and turf and groundcovers across three sectors: municipal, residential, and commercial.

Specially trained judges visited towns of similar populations and spent two days touring the town, meeting municipal officials, residents, and volunteers. Competitors in this category also included Rising Sun, IN; Jonesville, MI; McCall, ID; and Sackets Harbor, NY.

Shipshewana, IN received a three bloom rating with a special mention for tidiness. The AIB judges, Darlene Blake and Linda Cromer, noted that in Shipshewana, tidiness is a way of life and that the entire community contributes in one way or another to keep the town tidy.

Congratulations to Shipshewana, IN.

Registrations for the 2012 awards program can be submitted until February 28, 2012.

America in Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

America in Bloom provides educational programs, resources, and the challenge of a friendly competition between participating communities across the country.

For more information, visit www.americainbloom.org.