I was attending a meeting of one of the local merchant groups this week and listening as person after person brought the group up to speed on their festival and event plans. Once again I was struck by the enormous amount of effort being put forth by volunteers all over this Peninsula, not just providing social services to our community but also making sure our annual calendar stays full of things to do.

For the most part, these festivals do not have the benefit of paid staff. From the International Kite Festival to the Baker Bay Kayak & Canoe Race and the Garlic Festival, these events happen because of the dedication of countless hours by members of this community. Some of these are designed specifically to benefit local charities and many exist just to provide hours of delight.

Not everyone appreciates events, I know. Like my friends and neighbors, I sometimes long for the quieter time of the year when I can walk the boardwalk without company and turn onto Pacific Highway without waiting for traffic. (Yes, I am spoiled by living in this wonderful place!)

But, from my position at the Visitors Bureau, I am also aware of how much the local festivals contribute to our overall wellbeing. In a tourist economy, the influx of visitors translates into much more than fun for our friends and families; it translates into dollars.

The level of professionalism of our festival organizers is the envy of many other communities. I’m amazed at how smoothly these events run. And, given the small scale of the local population, we’re truly blessed to have so many competent people who aren’t looking for fame or fortune, but rather, just want to contribute.

So it’s hats off to the folks who attend all those planning meetings, make flyers, design and order T-shirts, handle vendor arrangements, man volunteer booths, arrange publicity, and coordinate, coordinate, coordinate. Thank you for all you do. I, for one, am grateful.

Una Boyle

Executive Director

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau