With the weather heating up and the days lasting longer, annual summer concerts and festivals are springing up once again. From bluegrass to jazz, country or classic rock, there seems to be a genre that will fit almost anyone’s taste, yet low attendance in the past has threatened the future of these events.

As a community, the support of these concerts and festivals should be a constant. It shouldn’t require the threat of canceling the entire festival for attendance to suddenly surge once again.

After the possibility of ending Niles’ Bluegrass Festival came to light, the concerts last week welcomed several visitors who came out to show support and prove that the festival was worth having. Now, with other area concert series beginning, community members should take notice and attend when they can. In Dowagiac, visitors can enjoy free concerts at Beckwith Park downtown that boasts performers from all backgrounds.

When an opportunity such as a free concert on a balmy Thursday evening presents itself, we should find the few moments between busy summer scheduling to recognize the importance and pleasure of these festivals.

Whether they have forgotten in years past when certain festivals are taking place, or have struggled to find the time, community members should carve out time this season to support the local ventures that make our community so rich with culture.

If the festivals and concerts are new, take the chance and visit to get a sense for what it has to offer.

Residents usually can find what makes a community great when taking part in these seasonal events.

This editorial represents the views of the editorial board.