State Launches Beautify the Bluegrass Contest for 2026

Kentucky's electric cooperatives team up with the governor to spotlight community beautification projects

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Kentucky landscape element such as a blooming wildflower or rolling green hill, repeated in a tight grid pattern to capture the energy and creativity of community-driven beautification projects.A vibrant celebration of Kentucky's natural beauty, as community members across the state come together to enhance their local public spaces.Louisville Today

The state of Kentucky is launching the 2026 Beautify the Bluegrass contest, which celebrates homegrown efforts to improve public spaces across the commonwealth. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominate projects that enhance Kentucky's natural beauty, with the winning effort receiving the Governor's Award.

Why it matters

The Beautify the Bluegrass contest highlights the important role that community-driven beautification projects play in bringing people together and making a lasting impact on local areas. By spotlighting these efforts, the state hopes to inspire and encourage more Kentuckians to get involved in improving their public spaces.

The details

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Beautify the Bluegrass contest, which is organized by Kentucky's electric cooperatives and the governor's office. Projects completed between July 15, 2025, and July 20, 2026, are eligible for nomination. Finalists will be announced during the Kentucky Living's Best in Kentucky Awards on August 20, and the winning project will be selected through a public vote on KentuckyLiving.com before receiving the Governor's Award later in the fall.

  • Nominations are now open for the 2026 Beautify the Bluegrass contest.
  • Projects completed between July 15, 2025, and July 20, 2026, are eligible for nomination.
  • Finalists will be announced during Kentucky Living's Best in Kentucky Awards on August 20, 2026.
  • The winning project will be selected through a public vote on KentuckyLiving.com.

The players

Kentucky Electric Cooperatives

The statewide association that provides representation, safety training, management training, and public relations support for Kentucky's electric cooperatives, which serve more than 1.8 million people in 117 of the state's 120 counties.

Gov. Andy Beshear

The governor of Kentucky, who is announcing and supporting the 2026 Beautify the Bluegrass contest.

Shannon Brock

The editor of Kentucky Living magazine, which is helping to promote and organize the Beautify the Bluegrass contest.

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What they’re saying

“As community organizations and civic-minded individuals take on beautification projects, including many around Earth Day in April, we encourage them to take 'before and after' photos of their efforts. These projects are not done to get public recognition, but by spotlighting these efforts, we hope to encourage and inspire others to do the same.”

— Shannon Brock, Editor, Kentucky Living

“We need your help. We're counting on folks like you to nominate a person or a group who have made a difference in your area.”

— Gov. Andy Beshear

What’s next

Kentuckians interested in participating can learn more about the campaign or submit a nomination by visiting KentuckyLiving.com.

The takeaway

The Beautify the Bluegrass contest is a valuable initiative that encourages community-driven efforts to enhance Kentucky's natural beauty and public spaces. By spotlighting these grassroots projects, the state hopes to inspire more Kentuckians to get involved in improving their local environments and bringing people together around shared civic pride.