PARIS — In conjunction with several local business and interest groups, the town has placed a dozen flower buckets throughout downtown.

Workers on Tuesday decorated an area from Market Square to Moore Park, from the bridge over Route 117 near The Handy Store and up Main Street to McLaughlin Gardens.

The project comes at the behest of the Paris Revitalization Forum, a group of downtown business owners who began gathering last fall to discuss ways to rebrand the area.

Last week, work began on a town-issued study to gauge the community’s long-term vision on how to develop and promote the downtown.

Sandy Swett, co-owner of Swett Signs in Paris, was hired by selectmen in May to complete the study. The work, which is expected to be completed over the summer, is a comprehensive survey of the downtown’s building capacity, demographics and overall economic and aesthetic direction community organizations, churches and other civic groups envision. 

The flower beds, Swett said, are one of many simple, cooperative steps businesses and individuals can be take to improve the look and perception of downtown. 

Swett said she went door-to-door asking for $20 donations for the plastic containers. The flowers were delivered for free from Young’s Greenhouse in South Paris.

“They look great,” Swett said.

In a news release, Town Manager Amy Bernard said, “I’m excited so many businesses and residents got involved in this project. I think it’s a great kickoff to what I’m hoping will be a very successful revitalization project here in Paris.

“Hopefully, by beautifying the area, we can generate more business and interest in our wonderful community,” Bernard said.

Flower pots were purchased by downtown businesses, including Swett Signs, resident and Paris Revitalization Forum co-founder Jeanie Stone, Bolster’s Decorating, Coughs & Sniffles Clinic, Market Square Restaurant, Chandler Funeral Homes, Smiling Moose and Community Concepts.