The program will feature bikes decorated with plants and flowers that will be positioned throughout the greater Milford and Miami Township, Ohio, areas. Bikes in Bloom 2011 will be in place from Sunday, May 29 (Memorial Day weedend) through Sunday, July 31.
GMEAC is inviting area businesses, organizations, and residents throughout Milford and Miami Township to get involved. Find an old bicycle, tricycle, big wheel, anything non-motorized with wheels and pedals. Decorate it with plants and flowers, and prominently display it in the greater Milford area. A competition is planned where expert judges will vote on the best presentations. Winners will receive plaques. Also, a “People’s Choice” contest will be held with winners receiving ribbons.
The cost to participate is $50 for businesses and $15 for residents. Applications for Bikes in Bloom 2011 will be available March 1, with an April 30 deadline.
In addition to the application fee, GMEAC is accepting sponsors and monetary contributions to help cover costs. Sponsors will be noted in signage, flyers, and a map that will show the position of decorated bikes. Donations of old bikes to be used in displays are also needed. Anyone interested in making a donation should send an email to GMEAC at info@gmeac.org.
GMEAC’s events committee met with city and township officials who enthusiastically agreed that the Bikes in Bloom project will generate fun, playfulness, creativity, and imagination to our wonderful community.
“This is our first public art project,” said Connie Hunter, president, GMEAC. “We hope that the community will fully embrace Bikes in Bloom 2011, and that decorated bikes will be ‘planted’ throughout the area. Everyone will enjoy the view as they walk, run, and pedal the streets of our community. We’re looking forward to enjoying the creativity as the bikes transform from ordinary to extraordinary.”
In addition GMEAC anticipates that the news about this event will generate more visitors to the business districts. This community-wide project also celebrates the nearness of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that brings thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to the Milford area.
“With its strong connection to the bike trail,” continued Hunter, “Bikes in Bloom 2011 is a natural extension of that theme. All of our members are looking forward to bringing this activity to greater Milford.”
The Greater Milford Events and Arts Council (501c3) was founded in the fall of 2008 for the purpose of bringing more events and arts to the greater Milford area. Membership consists of business owners, members of a variety of local non-profit groups, members of local government, and interested residents all coming together to provide support for successful community programs.
The mission of GMEAC is to enhance the overall quality of our community and to enrich the cultural lives of the people in the greater Milford area by coordinating events, promoting education, and supporting excellence in the arts. For information about the Greater Milford Events & Arts Council, visit www.gmeac.org.