When people attend festivals and events it is likely that most of the time they are worried about what they are going to buy, eat and enjoy and hardly spend a moment’s thought on what all it took to make the event a successful endeavor.

With five months until the streets of downtown Pilot Mountain fill with craft and food vendors, organizers already are working hard planning the annual Mayfest, which is the biggest fundraiser for the Pilot Mountain Civic Club.

And despite the fact that Mayberry Days and the Autumn Leaves Festival are even more months away, I can guarantee they are thought of and worked on almost on a daily basis by their organizers, the Surry Arts Council for one and the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce for the other.

These are just three of the numerous events that shape the area’s appeal to those within and outside the region. Others include the Dobson Fall Fest, the Hot Nights Hot Cars Cruise-ins in Pilot Mountain, the Budbreak Wine Festival and Farm Fest in Mount Airy.

The list of events could go on and on of things that bring people to our communities, and that are held to help raise money for various community benefits.

Sitting at lunch at Pilot Knob Park during Tuesday’s Pilot Mountain Civic Club meeting, it wasn’t hard to get a feel for the amount of work that’s put into these events each year. So it is my hope as 2013 commences that we all are able to go out and do our part to make all of these festivals and fundraisers a great success.

In the case of Mayfest, as well as some others, the money spent goes right back into the community to help benefit other nonprofit organizations, food pantries, families in need.

So I hope to see everyone out and about throughout the year. Let’s make 2013 one for the history books.

Wendy Byerly Wood is the associate editor of The Mount Airy News. She can be reached at wbyerly-wood@civitasmedia.com or at 719-1923.