Small Towns of Illinois: Putting Malta on the Map

Some people growing up in small towns claim there is little to do by the way of entertainment. If a rural town has a community of about one thousand two hundred, this is correct for the most part because little revenue leaves much to be desired. The revenue that does surface will go towards building up the community through business. However people living in rural communities are forced to be more industrious via coming up with activities for their own entertainment and sanity. And since we must rely on one another more given lack of immediate resources, the locals depend on one another for survival of themselves and of their town. In some ways, less outside resources lead to fewer intrusions, too. Malta, IL, is a growing town in so many ways, and the people within have big hearts, dreams, and much by the way of spirit.

Spirit is evident in Malta, IL, because it is one of those towns that grow on you. The people within the community are friendly and Mother Nature's scenery isn't too bad either. A person can go for a walk and feel safer in a smaller town than in an urban setting, for the sense of security is more prominent. Reason being is the closer proximity of the locals within the tighter parameters of the town itself. As a result a sense of community and imagination in Malta, IL, lead to hosting local events like village garage sales and the up and coming local event known as Malta Days.

The second weekend of May is when the village of Malta begins garage sales. It fills the people living here with excitement. We get to showcase much more than our personal goods. For example, I found a few beautiful collector's plates from Colorado and Niagara Falls, and then I was offered a facial from Mrs. Altman via her home business of beauty products. In other words the people of Malta literally share a piece of history by spotlighting their own and then by calling notice to the town at the same time. It brings people together and the attention is good for a small town like Malta, IL.

The up and coming event of Malta Days during the second weekend of June is perfect timing, for the people have previously received a little taste of Malta, IL, via the village garage sales. In addition kids will be fresh out of school for the summer. Bringing the town together by having a festival is savvy, for it combines business with pleasure. The town gets a chance to make some money, and people everywhere can have fun via the rides, the game and craft booths, the live music, and the food. There are even raffles to liven up the action. Last but not least there is a website called maltadays.com that describes the local itinerary in more detail.

I am proud of my town, for it isn't easy to throw a festival in the midst of financial survival. Malta, IL, has spirit and should not be underestimated for other than global characteristics. Whether material or not, the item for sale is priceless. Likewise rural towns are more than havens for material goods, because values like family and hard work are a way of life. Therefore when a locale like Malta, IL, is fighting for its spot on the map, weigh more than statistics.