Miramichi Communities in Bloom will be participating, for the first time,
in the winter judging program called WinterLights 2007-08.

Two national judges will evaluate the City of Miramichi
during the weekend of December 14-16, 2007.

WinterLights is the winter program of Communities in Bloom that was created in 2001 to encourage communities to showcase winter activities, festive celebrations and visual decorations that will increase Canada’s appeal as a winter tourist destination and improve the quality of life in communities across the country. The program was initiated with the help of the Canadian Tourism Commission and promotes the involvement and actions of citizens and volunteers of all ages, the municipal government, service organizations, industry and commerce. Municipalities participate by population categories. There is also a special category for past winners.
Trained volunteer judges travel across Canada in late November and December to evaluate registered communities in five key criteria:

VISUAL PRESENTATION

The Visual Presentation category evaluates the illumination and decoration of public buildings, open spaces, institutional, industrial, central business and commercial areas, and a representation of illuminated and decoration of residential properties and streetscapes.

WINTER PLEASURES
The Winter Pleasures category evaluates outdoor and indoors activities and events such as winter festivals, carnivals, ice sculptures, snow sculptures, ice skating, ice fishing derbies, winter sports competitions, family and youth activities and gourmet/game food events that promote outdoor and indoor activities that take place November 1st to March 31. Emphasis is placed on events that include a heritage / cultural component highlighting the cultural diversity of the community.

FESTIVE SEASON CELEBRATIONS
The Festive Season Celebrations category evaluates indoor and outdoor events such as choir festivals, tree lighting ceremonies, concerts, sleigh rides, festive performing and visual arts programs, candlelight walks, Santa Claus parades, carol singing, heritage and family events during the holiday season.

GOODWILL PROGRAMS
The Goodwill Programs category evaluates the overall betterment of quality of life and enhanced lifestyles through the development and participation of goodwill programs by all sectors including the interaction and inclusions of seniors, youth, minorities and less privileged. Spirit of Giving and goodwill programs may include food bank support, turkey drives, fundraisers…

TOURISM & PROMOTION
The Tourism and Promotion category focuses on “Showcasing your Community” to encourage participation by local residents and tourists to enjoy all that the winter season has to offer in your community.

The symposium and awards ceremony, hosted by different municipalities across Canada each year, is held early the following year. In 2008, the event will be hosted by Saint John, New Brunswick and by Prince George, British Columbia in 2009.

Program Benefits

Communities will be able to recognize numerous benefits from participation in the WinterLights program, including:

1. Increased winter tourism.
2. Increased civic pride and community involvement.
3. Participation from all ages and walks of life.
4. Mobilization of citizens, community groups, local government and businesses.
5. Information exchange and networking with other WinterLights communities.
6. Increased quality of life.
7. Increased impact on the hospitality and retail industries.
8. National recognition on the WinterLights website.

How can Miramichi residents get involved?
Judges will be visiting residential areas throughout the city during their visit.  Be sure to have your decorations and lights ready for the weekend of December 14-16, 2007.  The itinerary for the judges will be posted soon – come and meet the judges while they are visiting different venues.  Email any questions or suggestions to:  cib@miramichi.org