Double the pleasure

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 11 September 2012 15:46

Once again, the communities of Hillsboro and Marion will have an opportunity to put their best feet forward as thousands of guests come our way to take part in the Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair and Marion’s Art in the Park this Saturday. These two events require an amazing investment of energy—both by event organizers and the many volunteers who assist. Both communities are truly enriched for the effort—first, by the economic boost and public exposure, but also from the “community building” that takes place as good people come together to pursue a mutual goal.

We envision a spirit between the two communities that is more collaborative and less competitive. The fast-food industry has proven that quality “competitors” clustered close by actually increases the customer flow for each entity. In a similar vein, we think having two well-organized crafts fairs within 10 miles of each other would only enhance the attraction for long-distance participants, who could do a “two-for-one” in the same trip.

Maybe that’s a future we can envision. —DR