Communities in Bloom judge Bruce Hobin takes notes along the boardwalk at Charles Daley Park, a stop on the day long tour of Lincoln.

Communities in Bloom judges toured Town of Lincoln resources and facilities. From left are: Friends of Charles Daley Park, Lynn Hubbard, Donna Hogan, Friends Chair Laura Gibson; Lincoln Councillor Wayne MacMillan; CIB Coordinator Bernice Booth; judges Andy Yemen and Bruce Hobin; Director of Community Services Judy Pease; and Mayor Bill Hodgson.

They haven't yet done the math, but the two big smiles on the faces of Communities in Bloom judges Bruce Hobin and Andy Yemen can add up to only one conclusion -- the Town of Lincoln is a great place to live.

The bloom was definitely on as the community rolled out the green carpet for judges Bruce Hobin and Andy Yemen who critiqued the town with an eye to helping residents build civic pride and a better community.

It's the town's first year in Canada's program for the improvement of the quality of life through beautification, community involvement, environmental awareness and heritage conservation.

Lincoln won't be rated this year, but providing residents follow the guidelines in a report to be released this fall by the judges, they may be invited to compete in upcoming years.

"You understand the benefits of volunteerism and dedication to the community," CIB judge Andy Yemen told residents at the Lincoln Community Centre.

"It's not about winning but how to showcase the community and develop community pride," Hobin said. "We were really impressed by your community's involvement."

Months of preparation paid off and Lincoln councillors praised the work of CIB Coordinator Bernice Booth and Director of Community Services Judy Pease.

"We were prepared and the day flowed beautifully," Booth said of the tour that packed in highlights across the municipality.

"We'll get the feedback in September. The judges were very impressed with the enthusiasm of the volunteers," Booth said.

Lincoln Mayor Bill Hodgson and Councillor Wayne MacMillan toured with the judges. "They've seen the town from top to bottom," Hodgson said Tuesday, commending the "outstanding effort" by the town's volunteers, the community services department and the public works department.

Arriving Monday, the judges stayed at the Jordan House in Jordan Village. Dinner was at the Victoria Shores Club House with the CIB committee and council members.

Tuesday, after breakfast at the Inn on The Twenty, they toured the Town including the Jordan Museum, Jordan Lions Park, Charles Daley Park, Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation, L.E.E.D.S. and Cherry Orchards Farm owned by the Moyer family since 1799.

The tour visited the Millennium Forest orchestrated by the Garden Club, Town Hall, the Niagara West Employment and Learning Resource Centre, Lincoln Public Library, Beamsville branch, Beamsville Lions Park, Tawse Winery and Stoney Ridge Garden Winery. After dinner, the judges met with committee members and local volunteers at the Lincoln Community Centre.

Breakfast Wednesday morning was at Butterball's Restaurant.

Now in its 13th year, Yemen said the CIB program is working in about 30 communities in Ontario and once a community achieves a five-bloom rating, it can move up to national competition.

Ratings are based on eight criteria including tidiness, community involvement, environmental awareness, heritage conservation, urban forest management, landscaping, floral design and ground and turf management.