Small Town Joys

I had the wonderful privilege of attending the Riverside Party this Saturday. Though many events were happening over the weekend, a lot turned for the small population of 52.

While many may see the tiny number along with the lack of a grocery store and other amenities an inconvenience, the people in and around the Riverside area understand the many joys that come with small town living. Similarly, many of the towns which make up Carbon County are considered very small to most places even in our state.

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, small towns have a much more relaxed pace. The change in pace is what usually attracts most of our tourists. A local motto, “If you’re in a hurry you’re in the wrong town”, warns visitors and reminds locals to slow down and remember where they are.

Though the slow pace of things can be an inconvenience at momemts, it allows for time to enjoy life in the moment. Living in the big city, it’s far too easy to forget to stop and smell the flowers, if you can find any flowers that is.

Though the Riverside party had a great turn out, I wouldn’t describe it as an anxiety inducing large crowd. Thankfully a 45 minute wait for a table or fighting over the best seats at an event is not something we have to deal with in our neck of the woods. Finding parking is not a concern even when going out for a Friday night on the town.

Along with fewer crowds and less people comes less crime. Unlocked cars and houses aren’t an uncommon occurrence. Children are still able to ride their bicycles around the block without fearful parents following a few feet behind. All this created a wonderful environment to raise a family.

This feeling of security is amplified by the fact most small town residents know each other. With the ever growing chaos of larger cities it makes the simple act of knowing the people of your community invaluable.

Chances of knowing your next door neighbor, entire block, or most of the town isn’t out of the question here. In our small communities, when someone builds a new fence or paints their home, people take notice. A five minute trip to the post office can commonly turn into an hour long event upon meeting a chatty acquaintance. “Sometimes you want to go somewhere everyone knows your name” This is something you truly can accomplish in the Valley.

Fewer folks around town means fewer volunteers at many events. This leads to multiple opportunities to lend a hand and become a known face at community events.

Speaking of community events there are plenty! There are drinking events and rodeos to craft fairs and farmers markets. There is a huge variety of events in the Valley to choose from.

Some small towns even use their uniqueness to throw quirky festivals and events such as the Rubber Ducky Festival in Bellair, Michigan and Garlic Fest in Highwood, Illinios. We have our own charming festivals and traditions in our small communities as well and I am excited to attend them as a new member of the Saratoga Sun.

Though the summer craziness of events is slowing down, the excitement of school, sports and winter events is just starting to build. With school starting this week comes fall sports and the community interest follows. Local sports stars are often stopped and talked to about past and upcoming games by locals in the community. This support and interest in all levels of our youth is due to our close knit small community.

These simple small town joys can be taken for granted even by those who live here. Take an extra 10 minutes everyday to spread joy and kindness, and it will come back tenfold. Whether you wave at every passing car, smile at a small child, or take the time to help a neighbor, it’s easy to add a little joy to our small towns.

You are the heart of the Valley.