Your attendance is valued — take it from one who knows!

Whether you attended Deep Roots, the Central Georgia Greek Festival, Jazz and Arts on Riverdale, the free Ben Arthur house show presented by Music Ambassadors and the Field Note Stenographers, or some other amazing event this past weekend — it’s fairly predictable that these and other event organizers simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief and a sense of appreciation that you showed up when there exists such a contest for time on people’s calendars these days.

With football tailgates, pumpkin patch excursions, camping trips and hunting expeditions competing for your attention during the fall season, more than ever event organizers value your presence and your dollars.

Take it from me, a guy who is involved in a ton of events — from the Macon Beer Festival and Moonlight Miles, to the Magnolia Soapbox Derby and Issues and Ales — warm bodies warm our hearts!

No amount of “interested” and “going” declarations on Face Book, RSVPs or even ticket sales compares to the emotions felt when we actually see you show up. We are fulfilled, edified, validated, encouraged and motivated to continue the hard work of event planning integral to the culture of this community. Dozens of staffers, volunteers and board members hold committee meetings, draft minutes, update checklists, contact vendors, apply for permits, coordinate logistics and more just to pull off these amazing events.

Whether the event promotes a cause, celebrates history or is organized just for entertainment, organizers offset the opportunity costs of their time for the return of your attendance, participation and enjoyment. By the time this prints, I’m sure you will be recovering from a raucous night at the McDuffie/Mills “Concerto for Violin, Rock Band, and String Orchestra” and seeking to fill your weekend with merriment.

If your calendar is still light, consider Macon Pops “Dancing thru the Decades 3,” Spirits in October at Riverside Cemetery, Legends and Lore at the Hay House, the Thriller Halloween Party at the Douglass Theatre or the Rose Hill Ramble with Historic Macon and know that each one of the organizers values your presence and your consideration.

P.S. If you missed the Thunder of Georgia Air Show in Warner Robins a few weeks ago like I did (too much stuff on my plate that weekend) then grab your coats and load up the car and try to make it out to the Heart of Georgia Air Show in Eastman on Nov. 5. With a full schedule of aerobatic performances, on site flight simulators, interactive exhibits, food vendors and a kids zone, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Your attendance is valued — take it from one who knows!."