May 19, 2012

Dear Editor:

I am writing to air my concerns about the current ‘Lilac Festival’ in Pine Mountain.

I have been here for five years, and, along with us all, have been struggling with our economy.

There is evidence of a noticeable decline in the quality of the Lilac Festival during my short time here.

Today’s lack of a parade, however, has exposed something far more disturbing.

Is our economy that bad? Despite the poor housing market, public school de-funding, gas prices, and so forth…Why did we lose the parade?

The parade represents not just a local community event, but also a beacon of the almost- lost small town community showcase.

Many of us come from peripheral counties. How many of us invite neighbors, relatives and associates to enjoy a genuine small-town experience?

How can I help our community to keep this lovely, silly parade for next year?

Brian Donnelly
Pine Mountain
(805) 340-7457

This is part of the May 25, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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