Two Essex County municipalities are competing against each other, hoping to be considered the best in the Communities in Bloom competition.

Two judges are spending two days in Amherstburg, then they will go to Leamington.  They are evaluating the overall beauty of the area and the blooms, but they say the competition is about much more than just that.

The judges represent the non-profit organization that encourages green spaces to help foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification.

There are six communities competing for the award in the 15,001 to 50,000 population category across Canada, one in British Columbia, one in Quebec and four in Ontario, including Amherstburg and Leamington.

The town of Essex is also competing in the Communities in Bloom competition.

Essex is in the “Class of Champions: Large Category” and competing against Brandon, Manitoba and Leduc, Alberta.

Two volunteer judges will arrive in Essex on Tuesday, July 25 and will embark on a full-day tour on Wednesday, July 26.

All of the winners in each category will be announced in Ottawa at the national award ceremony in September.