Cache Creek welcomed Communities in Bloom judges George Mitchell and Darlene Kalawsky at Cache Creek Park on July 17. The evening’s activities included awards presentations, and fitness activities in the park and pool.
More than 100 people attended the event, and over 30 appreciation awards were presented by the CIB judges. These were for tidiness and improvements to properties in both the commercial and residential categories. Awards were also given to sponsors Second Time Around and the Ashcroft and District Lions Club.
The official judging of the community occurred the following day. The judges toured the Tourist Information Centre, Community Hall heritage display, the new Gateway Park, and the recycling depot. They walked along the sidewalks, enjoying the new planters, flower beds, and Farmer’s Market sign, as well as the two “pocket parks” maintained by the Cache Creek Beautification Society. They also enjoyed a tour of the Cache Creek Landfill and airport with mayor John Ranta, and the municipal park and pool.
A lovely garden luncheon was held with Communities in Bloom volunteers and guests at the home of Cache Creek Beautification Society President Judy Davison and her husband Stuart. Afterwards, the judges participated in a geocache at the Cache Creek Cemetery, guided by Gold Country Geocache Coordinator Marcie Dawn.
The tour finished with a drive past Cache Creek Elementary’s gardens and a visit with the Village Administrative staff for details on the municipality, including Cache Creek’s Parks and Trails Masterplan and Official Community Plan.
The day ended with a fun ride through the Semlin Valley Golf Course. There the judges, guided by Councillor and Golf Club President Darrell Rawcliffe, experienced the incredible vistas and well-kept turf. Councillor Lisa Dafoe joined in the tour as well. Public Works Foreman Deb Channell and Carmen Ranta, Cache Creek CiB committee chair, were the official tour guides for the day.
The Cache Creek Communities in Bloom committee is a sub-committee of the Cache Creek Beautification Society. The tour was an amazing look at the Village at its best. Thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors, local supporters, the Cache Creek Village council and staff, and the Clinton CiB committee, official CiB mentors, for their assistance. Cache Creek CiB volunteers will be attending the BC Communities in Bloom awards presentations in Kelowna on Sept. 22, where the results will be announced.
Carmen Ranta