EDITORIAL: Keep welcome mat out

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
It seems Hillsboro is the place to be for mid-summer youth athletic competition. This past weekend, Hillsboro played host to the Hap Dumont 10-and-under state baseball tournament that attracted 24 teams-that’s well over 1,000 people when you figure players, coaches and fans. This weekend, Hap Dumont will bring its 15-and-under state tournament to Hillsboro with 13 teams, and Mid America Youth Basketball will sponsor a tournament here and in neighboring Canton and Galva that will attract 75 teams.

That’s a significant influx of people over a two-weekend period-with a significant economic impact. The primary beneficiaries, economically speaking, will be the local businesses that sell food, drink, gasoline or a place to spend the night. Other businesses may get a boost, too, if they catch the fancy of our guests.

Certainly a tip of the hat goes to local leader Bob Hein, who happens to be the state chairman of the Hap Dumont organization and had some say where these baseball tournaments would be held. Likewise, Rusty and Debbie Allen of Hillsboro have been the key organizers of this particular MAYB tournament. Thanks largely to the Allens’ efforts, this will be the first time Hillsboro will host two such tournaments in the same summer.

It’s tempting to dwell on the economic advantages such events bring us. But let’s not forget the opportunity-obligation, really-we have to be friendly and welcoming hosts for our guests. They owe us very little, really, and we owe them much for honoring us with their presence. -DR

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