Starting today, Chambers County Lake will be hosting the first of three fishing tournaments that will each last a month with the goal of raising enough funds to put on a fourth, kids fishing tournament in June.

This is a wonderful idea that not only increases awareness and attendance at a local venue, but gets local kids and adults outside to enjoy the natural world.

In a few weeks, the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting St. Paddy’s on the River. This will feature fun for the kids, crafts and food for the adults and a pair of concerts that evening, all focused at River Park in West Point.

These aren’t the only outdoor events this Spring. Several others are also scheduled, including the annual Hike/Bike/Run, a car show and a golf tournament. That’s not even getting into the bevy of other upcoming events this year.

But the fact that there are several outdoor events scheduled for springtime is heartening but it would be nice if there were a few more that that were a little more focused.

Imagine a barbecue cooking tournament that took in contestants from all the Valley area. There are likely a few chefs here that believe they have the best smoked ribs and pulled pork.

Consider a carnival featuring rides, games and concessions that could draw in everyone from Chambers and Troup counties.

Setting up an event is not an easy task. It takes a lot of people to get something off the ground and nothing is likely to be done this year but it is something to keep in mind.

There are several events planned this year that stretch the entirety of the Valley area. But events that get people outside, as opposed to being held entirely indoors, are a little rarer.

Let’s change that.