I read something in yesterday's Scranton Times~Tribune that made me a little sad. Attendance at this year's Olyphant Queen City Days was down.
In the town where I grew up, we had three volunteer fire companies, plus a few churches, and an organization that ran the town's youth sports program. They all had picnics every summer. It was one of the really nice things about small town life. They were all within walking distance, and they were all great fun.
One of the things I had to give up when I started working weekends and overnights was fireman's carnivals and church picnics. I miss them. On occasion, I will stumble across one that starts on a Thursday. I'll drop in, have a hot dog and a soda, and do a little people watching.
There is a lot of competition for your entertainment dollar-- movies, restaurants, races, casinos, baseball games, etc., but there's nothing like getting out and experiencing a little small town charm.
Queen City Days benefits one of Olyphant's volunteer fire companies, and it will have to look for an additional source of revenue. Do yourself a favor. If there's a picnic or carnival close to you, stop by. Meet your neighbors. Help a charity. Have a good time. Celebrate summer.
