Thousands of people came to our area this weekend to attend annual attractions, bringing more credence to the fact that even though the national economy remains on shaky ground, people are still looking to take their families out to have a good time.

Attendance at the Isle of Wight County Fair exploded this year — 20,000 people went to the fair during its four-day run. The previous record was 12,500.

Fair volunteers were organized and committed to lowering ticket prices, yet made sure there were more things for patrons to do.

Meanwhile, around 1,600 people enjoyed the Heritage Day festivities at the Southampton Heritage Village and Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Courtland on Saturday.

Although that figure did not break the all-time attendance record, it was still a significant draw, bringing in many people from Virginia Beach and towns to the south and west in Virginia and North Carolina.

Organizers, workers and volunteers who helped plan these events and made sure they went off without a hitch should be commended for their efforts.

We should also be proud that attractions like the Isle of Wight County Fair and Heritage Day bring many visitors to Western Tidewater and help foster an interest and, eventually, a love for it.