Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the public works department of the City of Florence, is preparing to hang the magnificent flower baskets that have adorned Bay Street from spring into fall for the last seven years, according to a release from Florence ACC.

“We’re excited to announce that we will hang at least 130 beautiful flowering baskets on Highway 101, from the bridge to the intersection with Highway 126, and throughout Historic Old Town this year,” said chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan. “. By doing so we celebrate optimism, good will, good weather, beauty, and welcome people to our community.”

“We also make a ‘stop and look’ statement to all drivers, be they local or passersby, giving everyone a reason to think positively about our community,” she adds. “Smiles are contagious, and these baskets generate them in abundance.”

Individuals, businesses, and civic clubs are encouraged to sponsor a flower basket for $100. The chamber organizes the effort, and the City of Florence public works department hangs and maintains the flowers from early May through October.

“We’ve discovered that some of our sponsors are inspired visitors or have vacation places in Florence. Some people sponsor them as a dedication to a friend or loved one,” added Hannigan. “Many people take pictures with them to share online and remember their trip to Florence. That gives the program a lot of extra marketing mileage. Many of our sponsors sign up year after year for the pride it gives them for supporting and beautifying our community."

Those looking to sponsor a flower basket can do so here, or call the chamber office at 541-997-3128.

“This is yet another way to build on our local beauty and support local small businesses. By hanging them along the new Highway 101 streetscape, as well as in Old Town, locals and visitors will slow down and take in a very positive impression of our community, and that helps commerce in our area,” said Hannigan.

According to the release, approximately 1400 people in Florence (roughly 40% of those employed) rely on tourism-based employment, and that tourism pumps about $200 million into the local economy each year.

“We are doing all we can to advance the cause of commerce through tourism and impress people that Florence is the best place to live, work, shop, eat, play, and stay,” she adds.

For more information on joining the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, or how to volunteer for events such as the Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail or the Rhododendron Festival, contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128.