There is an old saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Scotland County has kind of turned that adage on its head.

There are number of local organizations doing their darnedest to make a lasting impression every chance they get. One only has to look at the events marking the calendar between last week and the coming week.

The hundreds of people visiting the local Highland Games over the past weekend undoubtedly came away impressed with Scotland County.

The games not only touted the Scottish-American connection that pervades our area by featuring pipe bands, amateur athletic competitions, dance demonstrations, drumming fiddling competitions as well as sheep dog demonstrations and special children’s athletic events where all participants got to wear a kilt. But the games also gave Scotland County s chance to show off the southern hospitality of our hotels and dining establishments to out of town visitors.

Those arriving ahead of the games got a chance to see Laurinburg downtown and some of the artistic talent of residents during Friday’s Art Crawl event.

This coming Friday, there will be another reason to venture downtown — The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will play two concerts at the Storytelling and Arts Center (SACS) at 131 South Main Street. This is a rare opportunity to experience this world-famous group of musicians in such an intimate setting, and seating is limited to just over 200 for each show. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band concerts are the first events of the Laurinburg Alive with Jazz Weekends.

Following on the heels of those events are this weekend’s annual John Blue Festival. Billed as one of the largest events in the county, the festival is expected to draw some 10,000 people to the ground of the John Blue House for a weekend of fun.

This event features crafts, antique collections, entertainment, food, and demonstrations of 19th century games and farming practices. It also includes tours of the historic John Blue House and grounds. The festival also offers crafts, hayrides, pony rides and children’s games.

These events are proof that Scotland County offers a lot to see and do. We hope residents and visitors will take the opportunity to be impressed.