While compiling this week's newspaper, I noticed the number of events planned for Graaff-Reinet over the next few weeks.

From a live show at the local theatre, a Mother's Day lunch in aid of a home for the aged, a street sale, a dance, an evening of choir music and a performance by a R&B band in the town hall to name but a few.

More events will be featured in next week's edition and, in addition, we still have many permanent exhibitions housed by restaurants, galleries and museums in town.

Come on, that's amazing for a small town, isn't it?

I find it very confusing when people in Graaff-Reinet complain that there is nothing to do and then don't support events when they happen.

I know all events are not to everyone's taste, but how will you know until you give it a try?

I have been to so many bazaars and other events where the turnout is poor and the hardworking people who pay for stalls end taking a knock.

Unemployment is on the increase and jobs are scarce. Shouldn't we be supporting each other where and when we can?

Let us support fellow Graaff-Reinet residents - supporting locally based events is a good place to start.

There is much to be said for keeping the 'wealth' in our own town.

Numerous street markets have been held over the past years where local entrepreneurs offer their goods to the local community.

There's bound to be something your family or significant other would like at the market, isn't there?

And buying a toy for your child or a trinket for your partner has a much more far-reaching effect than you think - supporting local entrepreneurs, crafters and businesses add strength to the community and the people, family and entities involved.

The local events scene helps set the tone for a town.

Don't we all want to make Graaff-Reinet a better place to live?

For me, there's a unique reward in buying local designs that you just can't get from buying something mass produced in China.

Knowing there's a local story to the piece of art and the artist who put so much time and effort into one individual work, as opposed to something from an assembly line, makes the piece that much more special.

If everyone supports local art, it will also inspire our artists to reach even greater heights and to continue to give their gifts to our cultural future for our children and children's children.

We all have a passion for our town and I implore all locals to take the time this month to explore our creative aspects on offer. Supporting the events planned for the month to come is an easy and fun way to do so.