BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The “Bay Minette in Bloom” campaign began in 2013 as a way to bring beautiful hanging baskets to downtown Bay Minette. The project has continued to blossom under the guidance of the North Baldwin Chamber Foundation.

The Foundation works with the City of Bay Minette, Bay Minette Beautification Committee and other community partners to make it happen. Foundation Director Ashley Jones Davis said the project originated from discussions on beautification projects for the area.

“Bay Minette in Bloom' was born and is now taking on a life of its own spreading beyond the hanging baskets to beds, benches, flower boxes and other community beautification projects,” Davis said. “It was the spark to bring to life so many other projects that are in the works.”

The Chamber Foundation continues to raise funds to install and maintain the Bay Minette in Bloom hanging baskets. For a donation of $250, individuals or businesses can sponsor a basket display which consists of one pole with two hanging baskets.

Sponsorships can be made in memory or honor of someone and a sign will be hung at a basket location upon request of the donor. Sponsorships are then renewable each year for $150 to help with the upkeep of the basket.

Mayor Robert A. “Bob” Wills said the Bay Minette in Bloom program has been a great addition to the community. “It adds that little spark that makes us feel good about our beautiful town. I want to thank the Chamber Foundation for their generous gift in support of the Program. It will help us to build on and expand what we have already done.”

Since its inception the “Bay Minette in Bloom” project has raised more than $13,000 to install and maintain the baskets and flowers. For more information about making a donation toward the project or becoming a sponsor, contact the North Baldwin Chamber Foundation at 251-937-5665.