We couldn't decide between the two topics we had in mind for this week's editorial.

Both are equally worthy, so we decided to write about the two of them since we feel they are united in some aspects.

We readily admit that it might appear we are really fishing to connect the two, since they are Fisherman's Wharf and Make the Connection Night.

But we really do believe that they share some common characteristics, aside from the fact they are two of our favourite events each year in Hay River.

Fisherman's Wharf and Make the Connection Night have been around for years and each have their own unique appeal.

Fisherman's Wharf outdoor market has become a prime attraction for residents and tourists alike on each Saturday of the summer from mid-June to mid-September.

Not even inclement weather can stop the crowds from showing up. That was proven on a rainy and dreary Aug. 19, which many people sought to brighten up with a trip to Fisherman's Wharf.

Week after week, and year after year, people continue to flock to Fisherman's Wharf.

It has been so successful that it would be almost inconceivable to think of a summer in Hay River without Fisherman's Wharf and its locally-grown produce, arts and crafts, and fish fresh from Great Slave Lake.

Make the Connection Night has also become something of a Hay River tradition.

The event, presented by the Town of Hay River, connects people to activities and opportunities to volunteer. Vice versa, it also allows groups and organizations to make their pitches to community residents.

This year's Make the Connection Night will be held on the evening of Sept. 6 in the parking lot of the Hay River Fire Hall, weather permitting.

So here's how Fisherman's Wharf and Make the Connection Night are united in our minds. They are all about community, and connecting people in this community.

Fisherman's Wharf and the organizations and activities represented at Make the Connection Night are not multi-million-dollar projects, nor are they massive endeavours to attract tourists to Hay River. They are honest-to-goodness community events and activities.

Fisherman's Wharf has been so successful because it is community first. It would probably be just as successful if no tourists at all showed up. But the tourists will keep coming because they enjoy the setting, the crafts, the food and we would think especially mingling with the people of Hay River.

Make the Connection Night doesn't have a tourism component, but more importantly it shares with Fisherman's Wharf the ability to bring people together in our community.

Of course, there are other events in Hay River that bring people together, but most appeal to certain specific segments of the population.

Fisherman's Wharf and Make the Connection Night have a wide appeal that makes them special.
Hay River is lucky to have those two events, and the community will probably continue to have them well into the future.

Such events should never be taken for granted, but should always be recognized and appreciated for the community builders they are.