So much going on at once

     People ask me all the time what I enjoy about my job. Well, there are many things, but the obvious is that there is always something to keep me busy; always something going on in the community and county.

     This weekend was a perfect example…

     Friday evening I took a few photos at the Stone Bridge Dinner and Gala, held at the Monticello Eagles Club. They had quite the turnout, many unique and fun items on the live auction, dinner catered by the always-delicious Darrell’s, and homemade items on the live auction.

     All of the proceeds from the event go toward saving the historic Ely’s Stone Bridge outside of Monticello.

     You could tell the passion for saving the bridge by those in attendance and those volunteering for the evening event.

     Saturday morning, Above & Beyond, the Monticello Public Library, and the Jones County Extension & Outreach all came together to host a memory garden workshop.

     While the event only took place for two hours, over 40 people came pouring in to make memory gardens in honor or in memory of a loved one who had passed away.

     There were groups of people working together on one garden, parents and their children working together, individuals and people of all ages, all using their creativity to put together something special.

     Bravo to the three businesses and organizations who worked together for such a fun event! In a community like Monticello, there’s no reason more businesses/organizations can’t come together for like-minded events. We’re all here for the betterment of the community and its residents.

     Sunday morning and afternoon was the annual Stone City Festival. I always enjoy covering this event as so many people drive or ride their motorcycles into the Stone City area for the food and fun. I couldn’t believe the amount of vehicles as I drove down the hill into Stone City.

     There were many vendors on hand, crafters, too. But the highlight for me is always the horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the historical village, and the history lessons you receive on Stone City itself.

     People from all over Jones County and surrounding counties were there, which is great to see!

     Aside from those events that I took photos at, my cohort Pete Temple volunteered and covered the Monticello Schools annual band car wash. This year, they were seen at several different locations throughout the city, which gave them great visibility.

     Also, the humid Saturday provided the perfect weather for a car wash.

     There is always something going on in the area, you just have to read about it in your local newspaper.

     With so much going on, it’s not always possible for me or Pete to be present at everything. (I’ll tell you, this weekend was an exception.) We pride ourselves on sharing our coverage of many events and activities going in the area, but sometimes schedules overlap and we can’t be in multiple places at once.

     If you have something going on, make sure it gets in the Express so we know about it. And if we can’t be there due to prior commitments, please don’t hesitate to submit photos for us to publish.

     We have such a busy community with so many people involved in so much, it’s important to showcase those events.