Community pride is going to have to be in full effect next week if Fredonia wants to be a top five finalist in the “Small Business Revolution” contest that will award a community $500,000 for revitalization and renovation.

Last week, village and chamber leaders gathered to plan for the show’s arrival that is scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12. Members of the crew will be taken around the village and the State University of New York to show its charm.

There also is a call for residents to show up in full force. On Dec. 11, the crew will be welcomed to the village before starting their business tour later in the afternoon. “We want hundreds of people … to be at the Opera House at 2 p.m.,” said Ann Eckman of the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce.

“They’re not going to hand half a million dollars to an apathetic community,” Eckman added. “They want an excited community.”

This is an excellent opportunity. Residents of this region must not let it slip away.