To the Editor,

Okay, I get it. Mt. Airy depends on tourism to survive. For the most part, all the jobs cater to that. Now the question is how we can capitalize on that. Right now we have Mayberry Days and then two weeks later the Autumn Leaves Festival. After talking to several merchants downtown, it seems that they have several concerns about the schedule. Often times after MD, they do not have enough time to restock their inventory before the festival. Another concern has to do with people will come to one event and not the other. I’ve heard time and again that the events are often like Christmas to downtown. After much thought, I think I’ve got it. First of all, move Mayberry Days to the first weekend of MAY. DUH! That will make it easy for anyone to remember. That will also give people the opportunity to see the area when in full bloom. The area merchants, after a long winter, will be able to jump start their year with a fresh face.

Now, we are heading into summer. What better time to have “Christmas in July.” This will be another draw for the merchants. It may also bring back some of the people that enjoyed the MAYberry Days. That means that fall is next with the Autumn Leaves Festival. This is always a big deal for the area. People come to see the leaves and enjoy the great fall weather. We may also have a better turnout due to the people that visited the other two events.

Last but certainly not least, is Christmas. People come to get those unique gifts that can only come from small town USA. They have seen our great town in all four seasons now and have fallen in love. The merchants have literally had FOUR Christmas like events. They have prospered by stretching out these major events. Other companies may see this and consider the area for their business, thus creating more jobs for locals. Since Mayberry Days is still so far away, it would be simple enough to start the new schedule next year. That way, vendors for that event will have plenty of time to adjust. The merchants will have time between each event to restock their inventory and revamp themselves. I know that some things are easier said than done but if this area wants to rely on tourism, then it needs to maximize that very thing.

I do not see ANY reason that would convince me that something to this nature would not work. Business in this area is more important than any political red tape that may stand in the way of changing the event schedule. Let’s give the area merchants what they need and want. Don’t hold back. Go for it. FOUR CHRISTMAS LIKE EVENTS!! WOW. What a concept. The town wants tourism, let’s do it. Let’s make the most of it. What do we have to lose? Other than more jobs and revenue

BJ Elmore

Mount Airy

To the Editor,

Among those many people that we owe thanks to for all their help in our bad weather are our newspaper carriers.

Our road was in terrible shape for days, but our carrier, Clinton Quesinberry Jr., was always on time with our paper. He did not miss one day bringing ours. I think that shows his determination! We appreciate him!

Also, I hear he has an incredible boss! She must have a big and hard job keeping those carriers in line during the bad weather and other times as well. She is to be commended. We appreciate you!

Bonnie Hawkins

Pilot Mountain