Letter to the Editor

Thank you Nevada / Vernon County and surrounding communities!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

I just attended my first Bushwhacker Days and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

OK, the rain the first night was not that much fun, but the following morning when everyone volunteered to get the tents up again they showed the unity of this community.

Bushwhacker Days is provided by the BWDays steering committee.

I found that as the new director of the chamber of commerce there was a previously committed volunteer position I was to fill. I was somewhat concerned and did not know what I was getting in to. I didn't need to be concerned. I found that this is not a chamber event, but a completely separate organization from the chamber and a vital community event. The co-chairs of the committee, Pat and Frank Arnold and the entire steering committee had everything under control.

The steering committee is made up of volunteers through out the community. Many of the volunteers take their vacation time to help during this event. The local employers understand the importance of this event to Nevada and allow their employees to work on the event during their workdays and nights. I applaud all of these volunteers and employers.

This is a true sign of community involvement and pride. In a down economy I found the community willing to sponsor events to allow the committee to continue to provide free nightly entertainment. I heard from citizens who told me this is their only musical entertainment they are able to attend every year and others who said this was the best time they had even though they routinely pay to attend concerts. Local individuals who tried to take into account the musical tastes of the community put the entertainment together. I wouldn't want to volunteer to try to please a county of 20,000, but I think they did. I know I found myself dancing a few times. I just hope I don't end up on YouTube or Facebook!

I was able to see first hand the city and the county working together with volunteers to make sure there was a safe, clean and organized environment for everyone attending. I saw rescue personnel take swift action when needed and volunteers everywhere providing information and positive interaction with the crowds.

I listened to families coming from the carnival (I get motion sick just watching a ride so this was not an area where I participated) and their positive comments were all made while laughing and enjoying themselves.

I watched a parade and knew the amount of time involved to put together this extravaganza. WOW! Cars, floats, horses, bands and a motorcycle hearse. The volunteers on this project have parade management down to a science. Early morning is not always the best time for babies and children, but you wouldn't have known this from the entries waiting for the baby and toddler show. Parents and families were polite and applauded and cheered even when their favorite didn't win. The emcee put on a great show even when there were technical problems and the crowds waiting were patient. The volunteers helping in all the events from horseshoes to concession stands were all trying their best to make this a great event for you.

I finally realized that is what Bushwhacker Days is all about. It's about you, the community, the volunteers, the sponsors and the visitors. It's about the community coming together and showing pride in our town. It's about sponsors giving when times are tough and businesses on the square giving up their spaces. It's about employers understanding this is a benefit to their employees and understanding their commitment.

The one concern I do have is that this event needs to continue. The event needs continual new volunteers. Volunteer or sponsor for a year and you might find yourself volunteering again or sponsoring the next year. I know I will be involved again and I hope to see you all there.