The floating stage in Cassadaga draws both residents and boaters to the music events.

Rural America scored another victory of sorts last week. Surrounded by state representatives, community leaders hailed the opening of the Forestville Farmers’ Market that will last through October.

Besides having the participation of vendors, it sent an important statement to residents of the north county hamlet. The former village, again, is a place to do business with neighbors who rely on agriculture to keep the economy moving.

One of the major attendees at the July 11 afternoon event was state Sen. George Borrello who understands the struggles of upstate and smaller regions outside of New York City. In his regular travels to Albany, Borrello often stands up to downstate lawmakers who often are oblivious to what life is like in small-town USA.

“I’ve been to a lot of other places that don’t have what we have here,” he said in opening the event. “I’m proud of what we have here.”

We can all be impressed.

Residents in many small communities often have trouble breaking away from decades-old traditions. Some in this location may have had a belief that government was important in keeping the wheels in motion. But missing money tied to the water fund in the clerk’s office and a potential 400% property tax increase changed a lot of minds between 10 and 15 years ago.

Not long after those troubles did voters decide to dissolve the village and become a part of the town of Hanover. For the most part, it has been a seamless transformation — with a lot less overhead that no longer includes a municipal budget, five elected trustees and a mayor.

Instead, decisions are being driven by individuals who care and know their neighbors while seeking improvements for properties and assets of the area. These are the members and volunteers who make up Imagine Forestville.

According to its Facebook page, the group “is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our richly historic hamlet, including historic buildings, homes, farms and lands, in order to have a lasting legacy of our heritage and to be a welcoming rural community for years to come.” Its work has revitalized parks while also beautifying neighborhoods.

Bringing back the weekly venue was just one more accomplishment. “We always dreamed of this. A Forestville Farmers’ Market was always in the back of our mind,” said Imagine Forestville President Aimee Rogers.

Other volunteer-driven initiatives throughout the region add to the fun of summer in Chautauqua County. Through Sunday, the fair continues in Dunkirk that is run by a board of directors.

To the south, late Sunday afternoons are filled with music on the Floating Stage thanks to Citizens for a Better Cassadaga. Along Lake Erie, First Fridays in Westfield fill Main Street with residents and tourists while celebrating the downtown shops.

Jamestown’s Chamber of Commerce presents its Cruise-In next month and in September, FestivalsFredonia organizes its popular Red, White and Blues Festival.

None of these events happen because of the work of municipal board members. Instead, those who care about where they live are making a difference — and not by being elected.

They are the shining stars who are giving back — without a paycheck or vote.

That is one of the best ways to improve our way of life in this region. The crowds in attendance for these events back that up.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.