Optimist’s Roundtable

By Martha Sykes

It’s our time to shine for our community!! This week will be so busy with everyone preparing for our 75th Flaming Foliage Festival!! Such an exciting opportunity for us to be a bright spot in a world of uncertainty and a time when people are struggling in the south to bounce back from some very destructive and life-changing storms!!

As we enter this fall season, we are reminded of God’s presence in our lives by watching the leaves turn to brilliant colors and turn our mountains into a masterpiece of His creation. We are so fortunate to hear people say that we are so blessed where we live!!

As we celebrate the season, it is heartwarming to watch our town turn into a welcoming place to thousands of visitors, beautiful Queen contestants, as well as the return of friends and relatives as so many come back “home” for Flaming Foliage.

This year is more special because we will have many former Queens from years gone by who will be returning to town. The parade will be a showcase of talent from many different groups and places!!

Hopefully, we will shine as we greet visitors and make new friends!! For everyone that comes to our town, let us welcome them and make them feel blessed while they are here!!

Enjoy the beauty that God has created for us!!