The annual contest, funded and supervised by the Horticulture Program of the Clark Foundation, makes awards to community residents and businesses in three different categories of horticultural beautification.

"My grandmother, Susan Vanderpoel Clark, who began the Cooperstown Beautification Program over 50 years ago, would be so thrilled by the many wonderful properties considered by the judge this year," Clark said. "The efforts of all of the participants help make our very special Village the beautiful place that it is."

This year’s results, by category, accompanied by comments from Judge Shawn M. Smith, a fourth-generation horticulture product broker who is currently serving as the president of Richard D. Smith & Co., Inc and sales representative for New England, are as follows:

Category I: Most Attractive Floral Display in a Business Setting:

First _ Mr. C.J. Dimick, Sherman’s Tavern/ Hotel Pratt, 50 Pioneer St. Judge’s comments: WOW! Beautiful window boxes of annuals. Just the right amount of color palette for a taste of wonderful.

Second _ Pioneer Patio Restaurant, Richard and Kathryn Busse, 46 Pioneer St. Judge’s comments: Impressive! Overflowing window boxes make for a kaleidoscope of color.

Third: All American Cafe, Richard and Kathryn Busse, 99 Main St. Judge’s comments: Fantastic! An abundance of colorful annuals, creating an inviting area to enjoy downtown Cooperstown.

Category I: Honorable Mention: Kevin Grady, Doubleday Cafe, 93 Main St.; Judy Curry, Cooper Country Crafts, 2 Doubleday Ct.; Mrs. Robin Gray, Essential Elements, 137 Main St.

Category II: Most Effective Overall Planting Which Enhances a Residential Property, as Seen from the Street:

First: Richmond and Jeanne Hulse, 9 Pioneer St. Judge’s comments: Well done! Charming display of colorful perennials and annuals.

Second: Elisabeth Giffin, 90 Fair St. Judge’s comments: A beautiful and lovely yard full of well-kept flowers.

Third: Steven and Patricia D’Esposito, 132 Chestnut St. Judge’s comments: Lots of color, overflowing and spread out around flowering shrubs and perennials.

Category II: Honorable Mention _ Donald and Mary Evans, 92 Fair St.; Stephen and Emily Cadwalader, 184 Main St.; Robert and Claire Satriano, 68 Susquehanna Ave.

Category III: Most Appropriate Residential or Business Window Box or Boxes and/or Hanging Basket or Baskets:

First: Eric and Noelle Hage, 36 Nelson Ave. Judge’s comments: Big beautiful hanging baskets full of color compliment this house.

Second: Helen Wilbur, 12 Grove St. Judge’s comments: Big beautiful red chenille hanging baskets surrounded by healthy window boxes and additional baskets.

Third: John and Linda Smirk, Cooperstown B&B, 88 Chestnut St. Judge’s comments: Flowers accent the color of this cozy B&B.

Category III: Honorable Mention _ Rossal and Mary Ann Angelo, 24 Delaware St.; Robert and Susan Schnieder, 22 Pioneer St.; Richard and Barbara Havlik, 94 Fair St.; Barbara Fassett and Michael Fassett, National Pastime, 81 Main St.