Beatrice Alonzo was the "sweeper" as volunteers helped put up more than 150 flower baskets on a sunny Thursday morning in downtown Coeur d'Alene. 

That was a lot of sweeping for over an hour, and she didn't mind. 

"I love being part of the community," said Alonzo, a project administrator with Welch-Comer in Coeur d'Alene. "One of the ways to do that is make downtown beautiful."

Likewise for Leighanna Keiser, also with Welch-Comer. She carried the 25-pound flower basket from truck to sidewalk with a smile.

"It's a fabulous great way to welcome visitors," she said. 

Emily Boyd, executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association, said they expanded the "Flags and Flowers" program this year by an additional 50 flower baskets and 20 American flags. Most of those were through the installation of new infrastructure in Rotary Centennial Park and along Lakeside Avenue, as well as providing the businesses the opportunity to display the signature baskets along their storefronts, maintained by the DTA.

This investment of more than $6,400 further enhances one of downtown Coeur d’Alene’s most recognizable beautification efforts, bringing vibrant blooms and colorful flags to the downtown corridor this season, Boyd said.

“Expanding the Flags & Flowers Program goes beyond beautification efforts. It is an investment in the experience and identity of downtown Coeur d'Alene," Boyd said. "Flower baskets help create a welcoming atmosphere and reinforces the pride we have in our downtown."

The program features 90 American flags and 220 flower baskets created in partnership with Aspen Nursery and maintained by the DTA for the next four months.

Haydn McKee, manager with Aspen Nursery, said they start growing the petunias in February and by May, they're healthy and ready for their homes, which sit about 15 feet above ground attached to green light poles.

McKee, joined by younger brother Rowan McKee and Aspen driver Nick Neale, has been involved in the annual flower basket program about seven years.

"I love plants and I love making our cities look nice," he said.

Donations help support the program. Contributions can be made at Cdadowntown.com/flower-baskets.

  Russ Twardowski carries a flower basket on Lakeside Avenue on Thursday as volunteers help put up the downtown baskets.
  

  Haydn McKee of Aspen Nursery carries a flower basket to a volunteer on Thursday.
  

  Brian Mack holds a flower basket high as Sherman Tower rises in the background on Thursday.
  

  Justin Wearne, owner of CrossFit Coeur d'Alene, hefts a 25-pound flower basket on Thursday morning.