Our thanks to everyone who works behind scenes of community events

Community events are always in great supply in Franklin County. There are those with rich traditions, taking place year after year, plus events that are held only once or maybe just a few times.

Whatever the event, from the Watermelon Festival to July Fest, from Pumpkin Palooza to Founders Day, from parades to car shows and more, one thing is true for all: It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen.

So we want to offer a word of praise and encouragement to anyone who helps behind the scenes of a community event.

It takes many days and weeks of preparation and planning to pull off any kind of community event, whether it’s the first year or the 43rd year. Organizers have to manage so many details, including promotions, parking, food, ticket sales, reservations, permits, entertainment and more. There are always problems and setbacks to overcome, and by the time the event rolls around, attendees might never realize just how much hard work has led up to the special day.

We want to offer a word of thanks to all those who work unseen.

We know most people who help with a community event do so in a volunteer capacity, and that deserves an extra pat on the back.

If you know someone who helps put together a local festival or event – in any capacity! – we invite you to take a moment to thank them for their part.

Maybe they hang up the banner or hand out flyers. Maybe they sit at a table and sell the T-shirts. Maybe they call about A/V equipment rentals. Maybe they recruit food trucks or balloon artists or local bands or elected officials.

Maybe you know the person who cuts the grass to make sure the field is ready for the event. Maybe you know the person who sources the traffic cones to set out so nobody parks where the soundstage is going to be set up. Maybe you know the person who designs the logo, keeps track of the funds raised or coordinates with the schools or civic clubs.

There are many jobs that must be done to pull together community favorites like Jam on Sloss Lake, July Fest, Spruce Pine Day and the Spirit of Hodges Festival. It takes many people willing to pull together, share the load and put in the hours – again, often on a volunteer basis – to make these events happen.

Thank you. Thank you for loving your community and for wanting to be part of it. It might seem sometimes that the work you do goes unnoticed, but please know it does not go unappreciated.