Ironton in Bloom may still be in its toddler stage but the beautification organization is getting fully grown results.

In its third year, the grassroots civic group continues to show hard work and dedication when it comes to making downtown Ironton look as good as it possibly can.

The group — made up of a handful of hardworking volunteers who do the work of an organization about five times its size — spent last weekend hanging baskets of flowers and making sure the pots in downtown are looking good. They were also selling plants so that citizens could take some of that charm to their homes.

All this is timed perfectly to coincide with some of Ironton’s most visited days. Later this month, tens of thousands of people will line the streets to watch the nation’s longest, continuously running Memorial Day Parade roll its way into history. That entire week offers a variety of events such as Navy Night and high school graduations that will bring many people into town who may not have been here for awhile or maybe not at all.

On June 12-13, the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will bounce its way into downtown once again, attracting hundreds of players and their families for this good-natured sporting event.

It is important that Ironton make a good first impression on visitors.

Ironton In Bloom is certainly doing its part for that. But they need everyone’s help.

The meetings are open to anyone and everyone will be welcomed.

The organization isn’t about cliques or social status. These men and women just want to make Ironton a better place to live.

That is something for which we should all be proud.