Tough times help locals realize entertainment here at home

Everyone is pinching pennies these days, trying to make their dollars stretch further. It's a painful process for most people, and it's certainly difficult for businesses that are barely holding on, waiting for better economic times.

One bright side we've witnessed recently are more people getting out and enjoying simple pleasures that are free or low cost right here in our own communities. Everything from free movies at the Avon Park Library to Sebring's downtown car show last weekend to Lake Placid's weekend market are all drawing more interest than usual. And there are plenty of other activities to be found.

For a long time many of us have looked to expensive entertainment venues and paid less attention to the fun activities right here in our own backyards. Merchants and organizations frequently offer special events and now more people are taking notice.

Often these simple pleasures provide as much entertainment as, say, a trip to an expensive amusement park. Just stop in at Sebring, Lake Placid or Avon Park baseball ball fields to watch exciting games played by the children of friends and neighbors. Concession stands there provide refreshments and there's not much more fun than watching athletics at this level.

There's much to enjoy here at home. We don't have to drive 40 to 90 miles for a good time. Staying here and exploring what our communities have to offer will open a lot of eyes and give residents a better sense of the communities we live in.

It's easy to isolate ourselves and only think the "good stuff" is down the road somewhere, but that's not always the case. It's right here, and all we have to do is look around to find it.