When most people are invited to a party they ask the host if there is anything they can do to help or anything they can bring for the table.
If more people thought of Warren's Fourth of July celebration as a community party - which it is - perhaps it wouldn't be as difficult to find volunteers to help with the preparations.
Thousands of people will line the parade route on Wednesday, and when the last unit has passed many of them will join others at Bett's Park for a continuation of the festivities on into the night when the sky lights up and man-made thunder roars.
The magnitude of planning, organization and just plain work that goes into an event that caters to thousands is staggering.
And yet, the number of people who shoulder most of the work is fairly small.
Sure, thousands chip in with cash as they buy grand prize tickets, and local businesses provide much-needed contributions, but there is work to be done as well.
The Fourth of July committee isn't looking for a bowl of your famous potato salad, but it could use a couple hours of your time. There is always room for more volunteers to handle the countless details necessary to bring off the event as smoothly as possible.
Those wishing to volunteer should contact: Bill Thompson, parade chairman, 688-5444; Amanda Ludwiszewski, Betts Park and beer tent, 757-8432; or Wally Post, grand prize and ticket sales, 730-2063.