I must say I had a great time looking out over Washington last weekend when more 1,100 cyclists were here for Cycle North Carolina. I also smiled when I saw how busy the businesses were and how much everyone seemed to embrace them.

Events like this are great for our local economy and crucial for the times we are still facing. So many of the cyclists commented about how much they enjoyed it here and they were coming back. That is a success. Hats off to Lynn Lewis with the Washington Tourism Development Authority for leading this initiative to get them here.

May and June are busy around the chamber. May 4 is the Chick-fil-A Leadercast, and during this day we are going to hear from great leaders and enjoy being motivated. This event is for everyone, so call today for more information. During May 19-20, we host the Washington Triathlon weekend in Washington Park, with athletes coming from all over the country to participate in a 100-mile race, a 50-mile race and a Sprint Triathlon. The Summer Festival is coming up June 8-9 and we are looking forward to a wonderful event. There is still vendor space if you would like to participate. We have continued to bring new things for the festival, so look for the schedule of events coming out in May. There is something for everyone this year.

As I look at the calendar of events from now until December, there are so many exceptional events for the community to enjoy. The Beaufort County 300th Anniversary Committee is working hard planning an event in September with the North Carolina Symphony and other entertainment free for the residents of the county, so look for information about that as well.

National Day of Prayer is May 3, and several events are planned to recognize this day. First United Methodist Church will have breakfast in Wesley Hall at 6:45 a.m., area residents will meet at the Washington Civic Center at 11:15 a.m. and a service will be held at noon at the City of Washington Municipal Building on the corner of Second and Market streets.

Grab your family and friends and we look forward to seeing you.

Catherine Glover is executive director of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce.