All real people on this 'village green' (07/28/06)

In the Colonial era, Americans had the village green, a common, central place to gather and interact as citizens.

Today, linked globally to millions of people we don't know via the Internet, we're missing something.

Though that "virtual" community has rich resources to offer, it's no substitute for knowing your neighbors and getting together face-to-face.

That's where a good county fair comes in.

Head out tonight after work, buy a Lionburger or an Optimist sausage sandwich or an Elks brat or a Conservation Club tenderloin. (Is your mouth watering yet?)

Then just take a stroll. Check out the midway, wander through the 4-H exhibits, stop in at the Women's Building, sign up for some door prizes at the commercial displays.

Chances are, in the course of an hour or so, you'll run into more old friends than you've seen in months.

Sure, maybe it will be just an exchange of pleasantries or maybe just a wave.

But you've come together on common ground, face-to-face as neighbors, as part of a community.

There's no dial-up, no downloads, no DSL, no broadband to fuss about.

There's just good old - all too often undervalued - human interaction.

Real people in a real place doing real things.

There's nothing "virtual" about it.

You'll find some of the same feeling at a high school ball game or a concert at Arts Place or even at the supermarket on a busy night.

But when it comes to maximum exposure to the rest of the community, nothing beats the county fair.

It's our village green. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]