Words from the Chamber

The warmer temperatures and budding trees, flowers, and shrubs add to the optimism growing that the pandemic is nearing an end. With a transition to more normal times, what opportunities and challenges exist for the “new” normal environment on the horizon?

For the chamber as an organization, we have to start thinking about fundraising events, if we are to keep our doors open and functioning as in the past. Most of our events over the past two years have been canceled in consideration toward the need to social distance or, at least, because of the recognition that many will not attend due to health-oriented concerns.

Fortunately, 2021 allowed us to hold one of our most successful fundraisers and it was a great success. Our annual (except for 2020) Bike Night is held on the first Saturday in August and, weather permitting, draws a large crowd to Courtland Festival Park. This year’s event is being planned for Aug. 6 and we hope to have the usual cast of participants to make it fun and profitable — the music group, Out of Spite, the food vendor, The Fishin’ Pig, beverage service by the Chamber and the beautiful motorcycles on display by Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg and the individual bikers. Plan on joining us.

As we look ahead to the summer, the chamber is considering holding an additional music event but the challenge is scheduling it at a time that will not compete with other local events, both to insure our success and to not diminish the success of other efforts.

Going back a few years ago, we held once-a-month music events in Abbitt Park beginning in April and going through September, entitled Friday Cheerz. A combination of factors caused the demise of this series — Primarily poor attendance due to weather, graduation festivities, vacations and other reasons along with the general burnout of our volunteer staff and the public in regards to the events themselves.

Another event that we had hoped to build into an annual success was our Hot Chocolate Run, which was inaugurated in 2019. The arrival of COVID squashed the momentum that we were creating after a fun and well orchestrated 5K run at Falling River Country Club. Although the event was not a great success financially, those that participated praised our efforts and we were optimistic to significantly increase the number of participants in subsequent years. As the year progresses, we will evaluate if this is something that we will re-initiate.

When we plan events, we like to incorporate several pieces into the puzzle of its organization. Fundraising is important, but it is not the only factor. We want to hold fun gatherings that promote fellowship and interaction within our community. Additionally, we attempt to showcase venues to attendees that might not have previously been familiar with them and, if possible, draw participants from outside of Appomattox.

If you are part of this community, your chamber wants to involve you. Do you have any ideas for additional activities and/events? We would love to hear from you.

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