July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
A grand old way to say welcome home (07/03/07)
Editorial
Sometimes, when you hear a good idea, you want to smack yourself in the forehead and say, "Why didn't anyone think of that before?"
That's how we felt upon learning that a group of downtown merchants was planning an event to connect the annual Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show more effectively to the community.
On the Sunday before this year's engine show, a number of downtown events are planned. Some are simple. Some are ambitious. Some - like the planned parade of tractors from the fairgrounds through downtown - are so logical an addition to the annual engine show that some forehead slapping is in order.
All of them have one thing in common. They seek to connect our annual visitors with our hometown, to make it their hometown as well, if only for a few days each August.
We've suggested for years that the engine show provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our local hospitality, and this year's "hometown" event takes that even further.
How can you take part, if you're not a downtown merchant?
That's pretty easy.
Be yourself. Be hospitable. And be patient.
Be aware that folks are coming from out of town, out of state, and out of the country.
Treat them the way you'd like to be treated in the same situation.
That sounds simple, but it's tremendously important.
A hundred cheerful, welcoming greeters can be erased by a single grouchy curmudgeon.
And there's something else you can do.
Downtown Portland is beautifully decorated with flags. They hang beside the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce banners on street lights, and they turn the courthouse lawn into a festive display.
One welcoming host has suggested that the flag display be extended to residential neighborhoods.
You put up the flag on the Fourth of July, why not put it up again for the engine and tractor show?
Not because there's any connection between patriotism and old engines, but because the flag is a symbol of welcome, a symbol of our connection as citizens.
And, besides, it simply feels good to fly the flag and to see it flying.
Think of it as a little exercise in hometown pride. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
That's how we felt upon learning that a group of downtown merchants was planning an event to connect the annual Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show more effectively to the community.
On the Sunday before this year's engine show, a number of downtown events are planned. Some are simple. Some are ambitious. Some - like the planned parade of tractors from the fairgrounds through downtown - are so logical an addition to the annual engine show that some forehead slapping is in order.
All of them have one thing in common. They seek to connect our annual visitors with our hometown, to make it their hometown as well, if only for a few days each August.
We've suggested for years that the engine show provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our local hospitality, and this year's "hometown" event takes that even further.
How can you take part, if you're not a downtown merchant?
That's pretty easy.
Be yourself. Be hospitable. And be patient.
Be aware that folks are coming from out of town, out of state, and out of the country.
Treat them the way you'd like to be treated in the same situation.
That sounds simple, but it's tremendously important.
A hundred cheerful, welcoming greeters can be erased by a single grouchy curmudgeon.
And there's something else you can do.
Downtown Portland is beautifully decorated with flags. They hang beside the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce banners on street lights, and they turn the courthouse lawn into a festive display.
One welcoming host has suggested that the flag display be extended to residential neighborhoods.
You put up the flag on the Fourth of July, why not put it up again for the engine and tractor show?
Not because there's any connection between patriotism and old engines, but because the flag is a symbol of welcome, a symbol of our connection as citizens.
And, besides, it simply feels good to fly the flag and to see it flying.
Think of it as a little exercise in hometown pride. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
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