2005 - 2009
2005
Millet returned to the main Communities in Bloom competition, competing at the provincial level. For the 10th-year anniversary of Millet in Bloom, the MIB team wanted to be able to 'relax' and work with less pressure than they did when competing at the national level.
Millet in Bloom continued to offer a variety of workshops both on gardening and the importance of tourism to the community. In addition to its work out in the community, MIB had also become an established resource centre for those looking to take on gardening projects of their own. The organization had amassed a library of gardening books for public use, which was steadily growing.
June 2005 was marked by two unfortunate instances of vandalism: on June 3rd, a kiosk was vandalized by paint and scratches and pine tree branches were broken in the adjacent park. Nearly two weeks later, on June 14th, soccer bleachers and washrooms at a different park were vandalized. The Communities in Bloom Truck Draw had to be cancelled when the windows of the truck, which had been parked in the Millet Agriplex parking lot, were smashed that same day.
Other community events were able to go ahead, however, including the Community Garage Sale, which raised funds for MIB through participant registration fees, and the completion of the Paul Pay soccer fields on the south side of town.
Meanwhile, larger projects were in the works. To commemorate Alberta's centennial, Darlene Tracey spearheaded the development of a new garden for the Millet Community Cemetery. Community members were invited to donate heritage plants (non-hybrids) that held special significance for them and their loved ones. Money for a gazebo at the Splash Pad was put forward in the town budget, as well as funding for a new entrance sign at the north entrance of town, as requested by the Millet in Bloom committee.
2006
Millet in Bloom continued to compete in Communities in Bloom at the provincial level as one of 50 Alberta communities competing that year. The Chamber of Commerce debated joining Millet in Bloom as a Communities in Bloom administrator; however, Millet in Bloom ended up remaining independent.
A 2006 survey found that each Millet resident contributed an average of 2 hours to community upkeep per year. This meant that over 4000 man-hours were being put into the town's upkeep every year - a significant effort that showed in Millet's established and upcoming beautification projects.
The Centennial Cemetery project continued to grow, with lists of donated plants being held at the Millet & District Museum. Meanwhile, gazebo construction began at Pipestone Creek park.
Another significant project was born out of the goodwill of neighbours. Brad Symes of Leduc obtained spruce seedlings through a CIB reforestation initiative and donated them to Mrs. Jacquie Heck’s and Ms. Shirley Nicole’s Grade 4 classes at Millet School. The 28 trees were planted around the edge of the playground.
Millet in Bloom took home the overall provincial title for the 2001-5000 population category at the awards in Vegreville on Sept. 16th, 2006. The award commemorated Millet's achievements in Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation. That winter, Millet also took home the Winterlights provincial title for most appealing community display.
2007
The Centennial Cemetery Heritage Garden was completed in 2007, and its launch was marked with a dedication ceremony attended by nearly 40 people. The project was a collaboration between Millet in Bloom, the Town of Millet, the Millet & District Historical Society, and the County of Wetaskiwin.
The ceremony included the dedication of an official heritage tree: a 100-year-old white spruce growing at the resting site of Alvie Flint in Millet Community Cemetery.
Millet in Bloom returned to the National Communities in Bloom competition, to tremendous success. At the CIB National Awards in Moncton, New Brunswick, Millet once again took home the overall national title for the 1001-3000 population category, earning the title for Heritage Conservation Throughout the Community. This recognition encompassed a wide array of projects across Millet, including the Centennial Cemetery Heritage Garden and the Farm Implement Beds.
2008
Millet returned to competing at the national level, taking home the Heritage Conservation Criteria Award for the town's heritage murals.
2009
One of the largest projects Millet in Bloom undertook in 2009 was planting new trees and shrubs in front of Centennial Park, giving the park a well-deserved 'facelift'. At the national Communities in Bloom competition, Millet joined the 'Circle of Excellence' category for the first time, earning Special Recognition for the museum archives.
