Written by: Abigail Lee, Lee Realty
Growing up, my mother instilled in me the importance of civic duty. She showed me that it doesn’t matter where you volunteer, as long as you are making a positive impact. My husband and I have carried that same belief into our own family, teaching our children that strong communities are built by the people who choose to show up and give back.
A community cannot thrive without the support and involvement of its citizens. While no town is perfect and there is always room to grow, what matters most is how deeply we care about where we live. We have chosen to build our life here because we truly love this town, and we are proud of it.
One of the greatest examples of that pride is our annual Band Festival. It represents not only the importance of music in our community, but also what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose. Volunteers, organizers, families, and performers all play a role in making it something special year after year.
Last year felt especially meaningful for me. My husband and I volunteered to help line up the bands for the parade – something my mom did when I was a child. It felt like coming full circle, and it was a gift to be part of that same tradition.
Every year, without fail, I get emotional when I hear “76 Trombones” played by our local band. I’ve never fully been able to explain it, but I think it’s simply this: pride. Pride in our town, our traditions, and the place I’ve been fortunate to call home my entire life.