The mission of the South Milwaukee Beautification Committee is “to promote, encourage, and work to enhance the beauty of the City of South Milwaukee.”
Our new Beautification Awards program will bring that mission to life, one local property at a time, all year long.
We are proud to unveil the Beautification Awards, a series of honors for the “best of the best” homes, businesses and organizations when it comes to making our city beautiful. Details below, with much more to come.
Start planting and decorating now, and get ready to submit your entries!
June: Garden Tour Awards
These awards are only open to those already chosen to take part in the South Milwaukee Historical Society Garden Tour and Art Fair on June 23.
The “Mayor’s Choice Awards” will now be named the “Best of the Tour.” The Beautification Committee will select the winners, ahead of the event. Grand prize is $75, and that winner also receives a proclamation, decorative signage, recognition on city/mayor digital platforms, and additional Historical Society awards. There will also be honorable mentions.
July: Patriotic Display Awards
The Patriotic Display Awards recognize those who show their patriotism through the look and feel of their properties. Residents are encouraged to create patriotic-themed displays, which could include flags, bunting, flowers, handcrafted or purchased items, with relevance to Memorial Day, Flag Day and/or Independence Day. All decorations must be up by June 28, and recipients are selected by the Beautification Committee on or around June 30. These awards are nomination-based, with nominations being solicited using Facebook and this online form. Up to three winners will each receive $50, a sign, and recognition at a city council meeting or on city/mayor digital platforms.
August: Curb Appeal Awards
The South Milwaukee Curb Appeal Awards are presented annually to South Milwaukee businesses, homeowners and civic organizations who devote extra effort to their property’s beautification, through landscaping and other street-facing efforts. Judging criteria include utilization of color, appropriateness for the architecture of the structure, originality, lawn upkeep, and decorative exterior structures. Properties also will be judged on the overall exterior appearance of their buildings. Landscaping done by professionals is not eligible for the awards. Current-year Garden Tour entrants are also not eligible.
The recipients of the Beautification Awards are selected by the Beautification Committee in early August. The Beautification Awards are nomination-based, with nominations being solicited using Facebook and this online form. Up to five winners each receive $50, a sign, and recognition at a city council meeting or on city/mayor digital platforms.
October: Rocketober Awards
The Rocketober Awards will recognize those with the best fall, Halloween or Thanksgiving-themed decorations on their homes or businesses. All decorations must be up by October 21, recipients are selected by the Beautification Committee the following week. The Rocketober Awards are nomination-based, with nominations being solicited using Facebook and an online form. Up to three winners will each receive $50, a sign, and recognition at a city council meeting or on city/mayor digital platforms. Additional details to be determined.
December: Light Up South Milwaukee Holiday Lights Awards
We are bringing back the successful 2017 program. The awards honor the South Milwaukee homes and businesses with the best outdoor holiday lights displays. Winners will receive small cash prizes from a total prize pool of $250, a sign, and recognition at a city council meeting or on city/mayor digital platforms. Beautification Committee members will judge entries. More details to come.
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