So why is it that we always feel the need to justify the price we paid for an item or service? Maybe it’s because we have felt so challenged by the high cost of just existing lately. I think we all want to enjoy our summer time, but with the cost of everything else rising you begin to wonder “just when do we get a break?”. With that bit of reality it’s good to realize that we all know the value of getting out and being a part of the community.
I think that is one of the reasons the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is so respected by not only those who live here, but by those who visit. Our seasons don’t last forever so instead of complaining, and yes we do that also, we make the most of the opportunities that we have. And in the process I think we can all agree that we create memories that last a lifetime.
And so it was on this Saturday at the Houghton County Fair that I again realized that no matter what… and the wind and unexpected colder weather should have been more than enough of an excuse to stay home, we will always find a way to come together for these precious opportunities to be together in the communities we live and visit.
The Houghon County fairgrounds might be on a little different scale than the UP State Fair, but I soon realized that it was the people of the community that make events like this happen. Let’s put it in a different perspective. Somewhere along the way someone decided that they could plan this event and make it happen without guaranteed ticket sales. There was no “subscription request” sent to your mailbox. No “act now or you will miss out” sales tactics. No telephone or email solicitation campaign to get you to “come to the fair!”. But somehow we all ended up there.
And I think we all will have to agree that somewhere along the way we did indeed end up there to see something or someone. I was really amazed at the size of the crowd that showed up for the Monster Truck and FMX Sick Air Show. This was held in an area that has bleacher seating on only one side. By the time we arrived it was completely surrounded. Don’t have bleacher seating on all sides? Not a problem. Bring your own chair or sit on the grass!
I guess this is just another example of the importance of having community events to get us all together. And the amazment that such an event could be pulled off without guarantee of attendance or good weather. Build it and they will come. I certainly appears that we did.
