March 19, 2024
Annapolis, US 36 F

The Return Of The Flowers

A hanging flower basket on the street lamppost...

Evidence of an effective local partnership is blooming in downtown Annapolis with the return of the flower baskets and pots along Main Street, West Street and across the Compromise Bridge.

Join Mayor J. Joshua Cohen and MainStreets Annapolis Partnership tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Main Street and Market Space as we recognize the combined efforts of leading businesses and organizations to beautify our historic downtown area with the launch of the annual Spring Flower Program.

The program originated in 1999 and was developed by Homestead Gardens and the Annapolis Business Association (ABA). As the economy worsened, the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce stepped in and provided the much needed boost to keep the program going. The City started helping to fund the project in 2001. Since the program’s inception, Homestead Gardens has been the provider of the flowers and the all important maintenance.

“The downtown flower program is not only a powerful economic development tool but is part of the City’s enduring appeal that brings visitors back again and again,” Mayor Cohen said. “Forbes magazine named Annapolis one of America’s 10 most beautiful cities for three consecutive years and I have to believe the vibrant colors create a memory that lasts long after the visitor has gone home. I applaud the partners in this program and thank them whole-heartedly for their support.”

Steve Samaras with Zachary’s Jewelers serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board and is President of the MainStreets Annapolis Partnership. He has worked with the City, Homestead Gardens, the Chamber of Commerce and a host of business leaders to pull funding together for the project to continue again this year. “It’s really been terrific to have so many businesses, even those outside of the downtown, realize the value of having flowers brighten our historic shopping and dining district.” Samaras goes on to recognize the City’s commitment to the program. “Mayor Cohen really helped to seed this effort, giving us the ability to match funds from the City with those from the business community.”

The Flower Program recognition ceremony will immediately follow the MainStreets Annapolis Partnership Annual Meeting that same morning. Those being recognized by MAP along with the City include:

  • Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce
  • The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitor’s Bureau
  • Homestead Gardens
  • Sandy Spring Bank
  • Chesapeake Bayhawks
  • USNA Athletic Department
  • Sheehy Lexus
  • ARINC
  • Insurance Solutions
  • The Eastport Business Association
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