I have learned many things over my almost 15 years working at a small business. I have also learned many things during my three years of volunteering.

I recently saw a post from a small business to “vote with your money.” I have also seen many back-to-school posts. I want you to go to look in the football programs, high school yearbooks, 5K sponsors and see who supports you and your school.

Now remember, small businesses cannot support everything everyone brings through their door, just as you can’t personally. But then I want you to look at the items you are wearing, your couch, your make-up, your shopping habits and where you eat out. Do those people buy an ad, hang a flyer on the door, help support in some way? Would they?

Also, as the Rally gears up this weekend, people start complaining about the noise or all the motorcycles everywhere or the music is too loud. Come down and sit on my porch and watch the bikes drive by — the $25,000+ bikes. They aren’t cheap. The bikers are here and if they can afford these bikes they can afford to spend some money here. Even if it is just gas.

They are bringing money into our economy. But they are also buying other items and eating out, which all puts money into our tax base. It is one weekend a year, embrace it.

Also, the Friends could use some volunteers. Come down and help out. I have helped the past three years. We have so much fun. And all the drunk bikers people complain about, sure I’ve seen a few, but not very many. But I am only in the Rally grounds.

Do you know who actually makes up Friends of Ironton? Less than 10 people with no one under 40. They work hard all year round to make our community better for you, me and our children. Before you complain, I ask you to get out and support them. And if, at the end of one night or one weekend, you are still complaining about the Rally, I ask you to help again, because you didn’t work hard enough.

 

Sarah Smith
Ironton