Signature Projects and Events

Daffodil Drifts at Wellington and Charles Young Parks

Each Spring, guests of Wellington Park and drivers along New Circle Road are treated with a brilliant display of blooming daffodils displaying a wave of color along the hillside. The Community Champions Daffodil Drift began with a single planting to honor Isabel Yates (2017). The drift has grown larger and more lovely each year as new sections, each with a distinct variety of daffodils, has been added for two succeeding recipients of the Award: Marcia Farris In Memoriam (2018) and Liz Pattengil (2019).
A second Drift has begun at Charles Young Park to honor the next three Community Champions: Yvonne Giles (2020), Jake Gibbs In Memoriam (2021), and one to be named (2022). At that point a third park will be designated by the LFUCG Parks Department.

Community volunteers gather each October to plant that year’s addition to the drift. To volunteer for the October 2021 planting, send email to bluegrassinbloom@gmail.com.

Isabel Yates Community Champion Award

In 2017, AIB Lexington created the Isabel Yates Community Champion Award to honor former Vice Mayor Isabel Yates for her unceasing work in beautification and historic preservation in the Bluegrass. Rather than present her with a plaque, a daffodil drift was planted in her honor at Wellington Park. The award continues to be presented annually; and each year a new section of the drift is added to celebrate that year’s winner.

Past Community Champions

2020 – Yvonne Giles

Recognized for restoring the beauty of the African Cemetery No2 on 7th Street while revealing the life stories of soldiers, jockeys, and families buried there, numbering over 6000 souls.

2019 – Liz Pattengill

Recognized for tireless ongoing service to the Lexington Council Garden Clubs, Inc especially reviving the popular Lexington In Bloom curb appeal contest.

2018 – Marcia Farris (posthumously)

Recognized for developing and maintaining the UK-LFUCG Arboretum, including the Walk Across KY path, the Children’s Garden, the Walnut Woods, Demonstration Gardens and more.

2017 – Isabel Yates

Former Mayor Jim Gray presents the Isabel Yates Community Champion Award at the annual Celebrate! Lexington Community Breakfast in 2017. Not only is the award named in her honor, Isabel Yates was recognized as its first recipient for promoting downtown hanging baskets, creating environmental programs, restoring the Kentucky Theatre, and creation of McConnell Springs Park, in addition to mentoring America in Bloom Lexington, Inc.