Bill Westenberger

Nothing Says Community Like a Festival

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

Just a few weeks ago, Kennesaw celebrated the spirit of community once again with one of the largest Big Shanty Festivals we’ve ever seen. Welcomed by cool temperatures, wind and sleet, the festivities began with a great parade, which officially opened the festival for sponsors, vendors and guests. I couldn’t believe the number of attendees on Saturday. Sunday’s clear skies and warm temps let us know spring really is here.

The smell of burgers, barbecue and funnel cakes did its part to set the mood for a successful day. A short pause to glance around and soak in what is happening reminds us of the importance of coming together. An afternoon of walking from tent to tent yields so much more than just purchasing another birthday gift. It provides a sense of community – family, friends and neighbors sharing special time with one another just ’cause they can.

For those who visited, I hope you felt that as you walked a few feet and found someone else you know and possibly haven’t seen in a while. We hope you left with a smile on your face and a few thousand steps recorded on your wrist to help you meet your goal. Most important, I hope you felt the harmony of our community.

For the Kennesaw Police Department, we felt it for sure. As I’ve pointed out over the years, people don’t call us because they’re having a good day. We normally are walking into unpleasant situations. But a festival is different. It’s a chance to spend time with those we serve in a way that

Photo courtesy of Kelly Housley.

strengthens relationships. We are able to connect, have a conversation, learn a name, meet our youth and rejuvenate one another in the goodness of the world in which we live.

For all of us to realize the value, we have to recognize the strength of community. When we are able to spend time together in settings like this, the relationships breed commitment to one another, and that commitment tends to grow trust. Subconsciously, we place ourselves on a trajectory of service to one another. This means the world in regard to keeping our community safe; it develops a kindred spirit of caring for and protecting each other. Such relationships between the officers and those we serve establish bonds that are tough to break as long as we all continue to invest in the connection.

It was great to see so many enjoying the festival. It left me with an amazing sense of community for those we serve. Next time you’re at a festival, think about those connections to the thousands of people there with you and the opportunities to bond with your neighbor and your officers. Wow, nothing really says community like a festival.

Until next time, stay safe.

Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 2008. He was given the 2019 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year Award.