We believe the city of Fairmont is exploring an important aspect of what we might call our local friendliness. In this case, how visitors from out of town are viewed and treated when they come for special events. The city is contemplating opening up city parks to camping and food trucks during these events to cater to visitors’ needs.

What this proposal runs headlong into is the local restaurants and hotels that would prefer visitors patronize their businesses. And it would be wrong for the city not to note these concerns. After all, these are among the businesses that pay property taxes and contribute to our local economy through the goods and services they buy and sell, as well as the people they employ.

The Park Board has recommended to the City Council that the city allow food wagons and camping in the parks for special events. These might include a softball tournament at the Winnebago Sports Complex or a disc golf tournament at Cedar Creek Park. The Park Board’s recommendation is a notable change that could affect how visitors to these kinds of events choose to spend their time – and money – here in Fairmont. The City Council shouldn’t take this decision lightly.

We would note that the bigger picture may be how out-of-town guests view Fairmont as a whole, and whether they choose to schedule future events here. Even if some choose to camp or eat in a park, others will choose to visit local businesses. And it is fair to suggest that those restaurants worried about a potential loss of revenue are free to send their own food wagons to these events. This might even be more lucrative than waiting for visitors to come to them.