Keeping the 'Bloom' in Bloomfield

By Cory Loomis
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​The kids from the Bloomfield community have been busy the past week in placing flower barrels around the town. Headed by Dan Hoppe, kids from FFA, FCCLA, the Knox County Knockout 4H and the scouts contributed in the efforts of the city beautification.

The flower project was started in the early 90's by the Region IV which is now Northstar Services. The boy scouts took over the project in the mid 90's. The flowers used in the barrels are primarily locally purchased which puts funds back into the community.

Each year, youth place the flower barrels around the community. So far this year, the group has put out 44 barrels along downtown streets. They have also placed four at the community center, two at the RV park, two at assisted living and five at the pool.

Hoppe and his kids also placed canna bulbs and moss roses around the welcome sign at the fairgrounds.

In June, they intend on placing another 40-plus barrels at the Knox County Fairground. The barrels are stored each fall and broke out once the warm weather returns. The city helps pull the barrels out of storage and the youth plants, places and maintains the flower throughout the summer months.

"They have made the town look more cheery and bright," says City Administrator, Colette Panning. She continued "we have helped with the watering and have given donations as alot of the groups have."

Others in the community have the same sentiment, "I think that they add color to the community,' said Sherri Ermels.

Each year, the project is made possible through donations from organizations and indivuals. Without these donations, the flower barrel project would not take place. Hoppe is greatful for those who have donated in the past years and extends his thanks to the future donors.

​"These young people have committed their time to brighten up and keep the 'bloom' in Bloomfield again this summer," he expresses. If anyone would like to make a donation, please contact Dan Hoppe at 402-373-4866 or send checks to 527 Circle Drive, Bloomfield, NE, 68718. Donation jars have also been placed in the the Community Center and the Bloomfield Monitor.