By Roxanne Brown
Hay there! Groveland rolls out a friendly fall competition
Twelve Groveland businesses, schools and community organizations are turning hay rolls into fall displays this year, competing for a prize that costs nothing but means plenty: bragging rights and a social media post celebrating their creation.
In its seventh year, the city’s Downtown Hay Roll Decorating Contest gives participants a chance to decorate a hay roll however they choose, adding a little personality to predetermined locations throughout downtown Groveland, aka The City With Natural Charm.
Judges associated with the city select the winners.
For Kim E’s Flowers, 2026 offers a chance to defend its title. The business took first place in 2025, followed by Things That Grow Inc. in second, Bay Lake Builders in third, Hope Preparatory Academy in fourth and Community Health Centers in fifth.
Four of those five finishers are back in this year’s lineup, but whether a repeat winner or a new contender takes the top spot, there’s plenty of room for friendly rivalry.
The tradition began in October 2019 after Parks and Community Services Director Mike Walker brought the idea home from downtown Brooksville, where a similar fall contest caught his attention. Groveland’s first competition drew 10 organizations, although participation has reached as many as 22 over the years.
“This contest has become a fun way to kick off the fall season, bring the community together and showcase our local schools, businesses and organizations,” Mike says. “It’s a friendly competition, but more than anything, it’s about having a little fun and adding some charm to downtown Groveland.”
This year’s participants are:
- Bay Lake Builders
- South Lake High School Art Department
- Kim E’s Flowers
- Community Health Centers
- GP Construction
- Things That Grow Inc.
- Groveland Exchange
- Groveland Historical Society and Museum
- Vision Church
- Food Truck Stop
- James Wyche Groveland Senior Center
- Green Pea Coffee
Originally from Nogales, Arizona, Roxanne worked in the customer service industry while practicing freelance writing for years. She came on board with Akers Media in July 2020 as a full-time staff writer for Lake & Sumter Style Magazine and was promoted to Managing Editor in October 2023—her dream job come true. Prior to that and after just having moved to Florida in 1999, Roxanne had re-directed her prior career path to focus more on journalism and went on to become a reporter for The Daily Commercial/South Lake Press newspapers for 16 years. Additionally, Roxanne—now an award-winning journalist recognized by the Florida Press Club and the Florida chapter of The Society of Professional Journalism—continues working toward her secondary goal of becoming a published author of children’s books.
