Positive spirit alive in Winsted

No matter how tough the annual budget battles are or how difficult the town’s financial situation gets, the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Winsted, as demonstrated by members of the Laurel City Commission and the Winsted Elks Lodge, who hosted this year’s Laurel Tea April 3.Decking out the lodge’s upstairs hall in white linens and dressing up in tuxedos and cocktail dresses for the affair, Elks volunteers showed an abundance of community pride for the event, while Laurel City Commission members introduced prospective candidates to the traditional festival and scholarship program. These volunteers are keeping up a tradition that has lasted 77 years and they deserve thanks for their efforts.Local young women who participate in the Laurel Festival each year should also be thanked, as they are truly the ones who keep the program alive. Exceptional students from Gilbert, Northwestern and Explorations high schools show interest in the program each year and put forth tremendous effort to obtain sponsorships, organize floats for the annual Laurel Parade and showcase their academic talents to Laurel Festival judges.Organizers noted this week that there are still openings for this year’s competition, so any high-school-aged girls from Winsted’s high schools may still register for the Laurel Festival between now and May 2. The Laurel City Commission chairman is Tracie Colabella. Members of the community who wish to support the Laurel Festival can make monetary donations to the program. Funds are always needed to maintain the annual scholarship prizes. This is a simple and much-appreciated way to show your own community pride.In addition, Winsted residents should be aware of two upcoming events to support the Laurel Festival. On April 20. The Chili’s restaurant in Avon will host a Winsted Laurel Festival Night. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of your tab to the Laurel City Commission when you bring the required flier to dinner. Pick one up at The Winsted Journal’s office, 396 Main St.The Laurel Festival Car Wash at the Winsted ambulance barn will be Tuesday, May 14, with contestants washing vehicles for donations to festival. The rain date is Wednesday, May 15.So, to sum up, if you know someone who is involved in this year’s Laurel Festival, thank them for volunteering. A little cash is always a nice gesture, too.