Kiwanis best home/best block event under way
By Medicine Hat News on June 16, 2018.
Medicine Hat News Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club is once again going to reward city homeowners who make extra efforts to beautify their yards. For more than 60 years, the Kiwanis Club has run the Best-Residence/Best Block competition and the 2018 edition gets under way this week. On this page, you’ll see photos of the winners of Zone 1, one of 12 zones designated by project chair Jan Owen, who is in her fifth year at the helm. Teams of judges, all members of the Kiwanis Club, are given the assignment of choosing which homes, and which blocks, offer the most eye appeal. Zone winners are then judged by a different group of judges in the fall, with the winners receiving a plaque. “Some of the judges spend two or three days on it, or they’ll go back a couple of times to make sure they get it right,” said Owen. “They take it very seriously.” The only reward for a zone winner is a photo in the Medicine Hat News, and a yard sign announcing their achievement. And of course bragging rights. Owen says she enjoys the competition “because I’m a gardener, I like nice landscaping. It’s nice to see the amount of work people put in to their yards.” Owen said judges always “find a few gems out there.” “The winning homes and blocks have nice street appeal,” she said. “It’s great to see the care and attention they put in.” The program often brings neighbourhoods closer together, she said. “Some of them have block parties, or organize a pizza party and talk about what they’re going to do (with their yards).” While judges try not to be influenced by outside sources, Owen said her committee often gets calls, emails or letters saying “did you see such and such an adddress?’ Ultimately, she said, every street of every zone is scrutinized. Beautiful yards and gardens “could be a challenge this year,” said Owen, “because they’re predicting a hot, dry summer.” Hatters likely won’t let that interfere with their beautification plans, however. 15-14
