Teams of experts from outside Sullivan County will spend August 9 to 12 visiting 25 Sullivan Renaissance projects before selecting winners in three beautification categories and honoring one project for the best overall showing of flowers. For the first year, judges will also recognize one of 11 long-time maintenance participants for the abundance of flowers in their community.

Judges will also acknowledge projects with stewardship awards for excellence in historical preservation and best design. All participants will receive completion grants.

Projects are judged for aesthetic improvement, collaboration, youth involvement, permanence and an ability to be maintained. Winning communities will be announced at the Sullivan Renaissance Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 13 in the Seelig Theater at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake. Doors open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments; the program begins at 6:45 p.m.

Communities selected as the most successful in completing their Category A and B projects will receive additional grants between $1000 and $10,000. The Golden Feather Grant of $25,000 will go to one of four Category C projects. Judges will also award separate grants for Showing of Flowers, including a special prize to communities that received maintenance support.

Visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org or call 845/295-2445.