CHESAPEAKE — The calendar may say spring but members of the Chesapeake Citizens Coalition are thinking ahead — far ahead — to the village’s annual Octoberfest.

The group will meet today at 6 p.m. at the Chesapeake Middle School library to plan this fall’s event. The Octoberfest serves as a fund-raiser for various endeavors throughout the year.

It also serves as a community reunion-of-sorts, one that Chesapeake-area people look forward to each year. When Mother Nature cooperates, as many as 3,000 meander through town, sampling the food and visiting the vendor booths.

“They come and see people they haven’t seen in a long time and they get to see them in a social environment, rather than in a business or church setting,” CCC President Dick Gilpin said.

The Chesapeake Citizens Coalition began a dozen or so years ago when residents saw needs within their community that were not being met. It continues today as an informal group of concerned village residents aimed at making their corner of the world the best it can be. Over the years the concerned citizens have spearheaded a push to bring a new grocery store to the village, have made improvements to Triangle Park and have organized clean up and community beautification campaigns. The group also organizes the village’s community Christmas display and Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

Approximately 10 people are actively involved in the organization. Gilpin said he would like to see the ranks of concerned citizens grow.

“Anyone who would like to be a part of us as a worker is welcome to attend the meeting,” he said. “Anyone who wants to show up, we’re looking for new energy.”