by Zachary Maichuk

Created on: June 07, 2009

As the weather gets warmer, and the summer days grow longer, more and more we see the return of the festival. Street fairs, strawberry festivals, renaissance faires, county fairs and farmer's markets appear in the streets, parks and community parking lots. For most, these fairs are a pleasant distraction; days of fun and frivolity for people to enjoy in their days off from the real world. But what most people don't realize is that the festivals we see are more than just fun and frivolous events. Festivals provide a real benefit to our communities, improving community resources, cohesion and soul.

The most visible gift festivals give to their communities is the money they can bring into a community. Even though there are a number of professionally run festivals, the majority of festivals are fundraisers. Some festivals charge admission, but those who don't still take in money from vendors and games. The money taken in often goes to schools, churches, community organizations and charities, and often generate much needed operational funding.

Festivals, however, are more than just fundraisers. The modern festival owes its existence to the fairs of ancient Rome. These fairs were holidays, days when the normal toils and politics of the day were put on hold. This tradition continued through the middle ages, with fairs marking holidays and celebrations, which is why the modern fair is full of games, music and fun. This communal celebration gives neighbors a reason and way to enjoy spending time with each other, building and improving community bonds. In addition, many festivals involve a chance for people to showcase different talents and hobbies. The art in the booth, the food on the table, the songs and dances performed, and even the prized livestock or produce presented for competition can tell you more about your neighbors that any conversation can. The sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feel of these displays immerse you in your neighbors world, giving it a texture you would be at a loss to find anywhere else.

A final gift granted to the community given by festivals is alluded to in the myths and legends that surround festivals and markets. The mythic festival is regarded to be a sanctuary, and stories that involve them surround them with the preternatural protection of a universal truce. Possibly originating in the central importance of the early fairs and markets for the survival of the community, the mythic

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