The smell of fresh roses filled the air in Glidden Campus Florist and Retail as they handed out 1,200 roses Wednesday, National Good Neighbor Day.

Glidden Florist and Kar-Fre Flowers were among local floral shops that gave away roses.

“This day was designed to help bring the community closer,” said Debbie Heiman, Glidden Florist manager. “A dozen roses are given out to each customer that enters the store.”

Glidden Florist, 917 W. Lincoln Highway, gave roses to about 1,200 residents Wednesday, Heiman said.

“There were the multi-colored bouquets or traditional red bouquets that our store gave out,” she said.

Kar-Fre Flowers, 1126 E. State St., gave out close to 1,500 roses throughout the day, said Michelle Rhynders, Kar-Fre Flowers manager. “The idea of the program is to keep one rose for yourself, and give the rest out to neighbors, friends and family.”

One of the last customers of the day to receive the gift at Glidden Florist was pleasantly surprised.

“I didn’t even know that they were giving out free flowers. I think this is really nice,” said sophomore finance major Dan Bazigos.

Both Heiman and Rhynders said the bouquets were gone before noon.

“There were customers that were waiting outside the shop at eight this morning,” Heiman said.

Diane Hammone, frequent customer of Kar-Fre flowers, has participated the past five years.

“I think that it is wonderful for the florists to give out roses,” she said. “Getting a rose can make someone’s day.”

Heiman sent out e-mails and put signs in front of the store advertising the giveaway. In previous years, she said, they have made trips to nursing homes to deliver any remaining flowers.

“The day is designed around the time of year when rose growers cut flowers back and are able to give the roses at an inexpensive price,” Rhynders said. “The expense is at the retailers cost, and it is worth it, because giving is what our business is about.”

Florists around the United States will be participating in the day throughout this month. Heiman said that although National Good Neighbor Day is not until Sept. 28, the DeKalb community chose to celebrate it Wednesday.

“It doesn’t matter what day you celebrate it – it is a great thing to do,” she said.

Good Neighbor Day was started by Becky Mattson in Montana, with congressional correspondence to former Senator and Ambassador Mike Mansfield in 1971.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon have recognized the day, and the U.S. Senate passed the official bill proclaiming the day on April 29, 2003.