Saturday brings the sixth annual Glen Elk Ethnic Festival, an exciting day of activities for all ages in Clarksburg's Glen Elk Village.

Beyond the full schedule of entertainment, tempting food, and the newly-added children's carnival rides, we think the festival and its organizers are making an important contribution to Clarksburg.

The Glen Elk Village Development Association is a true grass-roots effort at improving the quality of life in this once bustling section of Clarksburg. The group and its energetic leadership have made great strides in promoting the potential of a reborn Glen Elk in the new century.

Their efforts have brought Glen Elk and its boosters recognition -- and support -- for their efforts. A number of state grants have underwritten some of the public improvements.

The City of Clarksburg has been lending a much-needed hand, assisting in the demolition of several dilapidated buildings, and offering other support.

The group's list of local members and sponsors is growing, but we think an even greater participation by Clarksburg business and citizens is warranted.

We think the kind of enthusiastic, local effort put forth by the Glen Elk Village Development Association is just what the doctor ordered for our city. Not only the accomplishments of the group, but the publicity that accompanies their efforts rebounds to the good for Clarksburg and Harrison County.

GEVDA has shown that local efforts to move beyond the decline of the past can pay off.

Their example serves us all. Let's not only come out and enjoy the festival on Saturday, but also encourage and support their efforts all year long.