There are many different ideas of what a community is and how people come together to create it. This past Independence Day was a prime example of why Washington is such a great one.

The weather forecast predicted a gloomy day. Local TV, radio, and newspaper advertising, as well as the hard work of many, would be for not. Nevertheless our community gathered to hear the sounds of Hank, Pattie and The Current in Festival Park and see fireworks cascading over the Pamlico-Tar River. They came in the thousands!

People arrived early — bringing blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Children played Frisbee. Boaters filled the docks. A volunteer dressed as George Washington posed for photos. Our community — people from all walks of life — bonded on Washington’s waterfront, celebrating our independence as a nation.

When the rains came, no one left. Umbrellas just started popping up all over. The rains may have washed over folks, but they did not wash the smiles off faces. People who didn’t know each other huddled together and shared dry spaces. The community grew throughout the day.

We just enjoyed Summer Festival filled with amusement rides, funnel cakes and cotton candy, and vendors galore. For July 4, Washington Harbor District Alliance encouraged visitors to support downtown businesses, many of which were open.

Vendors were limited to Harbor District members like Zaxby’s, Kona Ice, Scoops Ice Cream and Patty Cakes Cupcake Boutique — just a short walk from anywhere along the waterfront. We offered a designated setting for families and friends to enjoy what Washington has to offer in our green spaces and natural environment.

Measures were in place to reduce trash — doubling the number of trashcans from previous years and having a team walk the area later in the evening picking up remaining trash. We at WHDA have a “leave no trace” mentality. Our efforts achieved noticeable results.

As a former board member of WHDA with a newly developed role and fairly new to this area, I’m constantly learning how we evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the Harbor District. Personally, I’m learning the unique characteristics of Washington’s community and how to be a part and help.

If you are interested in supporting community, special activities next Fourth of July, want to volunteer, or care to help with other WHDA events, please email me directly at john@whda.org, or contact us at 252-947-1487. After all, one of the most important characteristics of a community is to help one another!

John Butler is chief operations officer of WHDA and co-owner of Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn and the Belle of Washington.