There was an overflow crowd of hundreds of people that spilled out into the lobby of the Selig Theater at Sullivan County Community College on August 12, as 2013 the Sullivan Renaissance Awards were bestowed on many volunteers and groups.

The largest award, the $25,000 Golden Feather, which was handed out by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, went to Livingston Manor Renaissance for its work on enhancements to Main Street. The group also picked up a $2,500 award for its community planning efforts.

The Callicoon Business Association won the second largest award of the night, the $10,000 Silver Feather Award for its work on enhancing downtown gardens. A special $2,500 environmental award went to the Rock Hill Business and Community Association.

The Narrowsburg Beautification Group was given an award of $5,000 for the “Best Overall Showing of Flowers Award.” According to a Sullivan Renaissance press release, “Judges were impressed by the overall number of gardens, planters and displays; an abundance of color, texture, unique combinations and liberal use of Sullivan Renaissance 2013 collection; a creative use of plant material that complemented the color palette of the numerous benches and storefronts; a repetition of colors and textures that entice the visitor to explore the community; innovative designs, including vertical plantings, that soften the stark backgrounds of buildings and walls; the cohesive use of perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees; and gardens and planters that are meticulously maintained.

Other communities receiving $1,000 Judges’ Choice Awards for flowers included Sullivan County Visitors Association for the “Best Established Small Garden;” Monticello United Methodist Church for the “Best New Garden in an Urban Setting;” Roscoe-Rockland Chamber of Commerce for “Best Business/Municipal Display” and Callicoon Business Association for the “Best New Display of Annuals.”

At the opening of the event, Dr. Karin Hilgersom, president of the college, said that she thought the county was on the road back to a vibrancy that existed at the height of period of the Borscht Belt hotels. She said, “And I think one of the reasons that Sullivan County is on that road to finding to that vibrant community again is Sullivan Renaissance.”

County legislature chairman Scott Samuelson said, “As you drive around Sullivan County and you go from community to community, you know exactly when you’ve come upon a Renaissance project...Having pride in your community is the first step in being able to attract other people and economic development, people who want to come and open businesses.”