Mahone Bay Earns 5 Blooms and Special Recognition at Communities in Bloom Awards

Mahone Bay received a rating of 5 Blooms and a special mention for Faerie Trailsduring the 2026 Provincial/National/International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies, held in Montréal, Québec by Communities in Bloom. The Town of Mahone Bay participated in the Atlantic Edition – Population Evaluated category. The community also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Environmental Action and Heritage Conservation.

Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector – including volunteer efforts – regarding the following criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant & Floral Displays.

Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Susan Ellis and Larry Hall wrote: 

“Mahone Bay has many attractions, but the Faerie Trails are especially magical! In 2025, a group of faerie fanciers decided the faeries needed new homes, and they flew into action, using recycled, reused, and repurposed materials to build them under the trees, amidst the ferns and flowers found along the three trails in a quiet wooded area. All three trails are themed and invite exploration. Children, from two to 102, marvel at the ingenuity of the faeries, and the twinkling lights they see and tiny bells they hear along the paths. Especially notable is the Faerie Station where visitors can deposit a wish that they hope the faeries will grant. The notice states if you see twinkling lights, it’s a sign your wish is being considered. These anonymous wishes are collected and placed in a Faerie Book that is sometimes shared publicly – further spreading the magic and charm of the fabulous Faerie Trails!”

Within the actual context of climate changes and environmental concerns, communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts, which provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.

For a complete list of the results and to learn more about the Canadian volunteer and partnership-driven non-profit organization Communities in Bloom,  please visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.