“Pride” is perhaps most noted for the awarding of “Orchid Awards” throughout the city. Both residential and commercial nominations are received from the community-at-large through the mayor’s office. Citizens are encouraged to nominate homes that offer striking floral displays and landscaping designs. From those nominations, monthly recipients are selected based upon “curb appeal” that reveals an understanding regarding plant selection, color schematics, and the proper care and maintenance of flowers and plants.
An attractive sign is displayed in the winner’s yard during the month of their award. A certificate honoring the award is presented to the winner.
To nominate a residence or business for an orchid award, please call the Mayor's office at 784-2437 or email mayor@FortSmithAR.gov.
Grand Orchid Award
Starting in 2001, a Grand Orchid Award winner has been selected. Considered to become the most coveted gardening award in Fort Smith, The Grand Orchid Award recognizes the yearlong continuous efforts of the avid residential gardener. The Grand Orchid winner cultivates meticulous grounds with well-attended foundation plantings, choice beneficial shade and ornamental trees, a variety of seasonal annual and perennial flowers, and striking holiday ornamentation. All the while, they maintain their home, fencing, sidewalk and adjoining street. The Grand Orchid Award winner adds greatly to their neighborhood with enhanced gardens and landscaping that instinctively causes the casual on-looker to slow down and gaze at their accomplishments. They truly inspire others to garden and improve their property. The Grand Orchid Award winner is selected from the year long winners of an Orchid Award.
The city awarded a Grand Orchid Award in a non-residential category for the first time in 2004. The non-residential category is reserved for business entities, schools, churches, non-profit organizations that make a continuing effort to beautify Fort Smith through horticultural display.
2001 - Charles and Lucy Bell 7810 Westminister Place
2002 - Tommy and Barbara Fowler 2911 South 39th Street
2003 - Thomas and Tamhra Cusumano, 2409 Queensbury Way
2004 - Scott & Cathy Little, 2800 Houston
2004 - K-Mac Enterprises, Inc.
K-Mac Enterprises operates 8 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in the Fort Smith area. The restaurants are noted for their meticulously groomed garden beds and foundation plants as well as extravagant Christmas displays. K-Mac Enterprises is owned by Brent McGruder, Sam Fiori, and Jon Dyer.
Order of the Orchid
The “Pride” Board recently instituted a new honorary program to recognize residential homeowners who have worked over the years to elevate their neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal. Membership to the Order is by nomination by a Pride board member. Members receive a certificate from the mayor’s office and are consulted for their input regarding Pride beautification projects.