Editor's Note: The Elmwood Area Community Club held an essay contest this year for the 2026 UFO Days. Elmwood students grades 5-12 were invited to write an essay with the theme "Why I Love Elmwood." The three selected recipients will ride on the UFO Days parade float.

Elmwood is a tiny, close-knit village where everyone knows everyone else. People are familiar with what others enjoy doing for fun, which sports their children play and how they spend their weekends. Living in such a village that offers so many opportunities to connect with your community and develop lasting friendships. One of the biggest lessons I have learned from Elmwood is that even though you have your own life, you still need to love and care for the people around you.

Growing up, I vividly remember walking around or playing in the yard with my dad, and everyone knew him. He would have conversations with neighbors about matters that larger communities might not even be aware of. We would stroll through the streets, and while people recognized me, I didn’t know them personally, yet they knew everything about me. When we went to support Elmwood’s sports teams, I would meet many players and fans – everyone seemed to be a part of the same community.

There was one time that I still remember vividly to this day. I was playing in the yard with my brother, dad and I when a family walked by with two kids. I didn’t know them at all, but they stopped by and while my dad was having a conversation with the parents, we started playing with the kids. Now, I babysit the kids, and I am very close wit that family. Even now, when I walk around, people recognize me because of my dad.

I never realized how our community could come together and help people who needed it. The day I learned this was when I saw a huge line outside and in the school. We were having a Celebration of Life for my brothers that just passed away, and I didn’t realize how many people actually cared for my family. I got so many hugs and was told that if I needed, I could always reach out for help. Then every year after that, we would let lanterns go at the football field. All of the people who I learned actually cared for me were there. It didn’t matter if I talked to them all the time or if I barely talked to them; they were there supporting my family and me. I will always love Elmwood because everyone cares and is close to others.

Elmwood has its lively moments where it can be quite loud, but once you take a step back and appreciate the village’s tranquility, it reveals its true beauty. I used to ride my bike all the time, whether alone or with friends. A few years ago, I stopped, but ever since I started track and ran along a rural road, I’ve been reminded of how beautiful and peaceful Elmwood truly is. UFO Days is one of those loud moments, but then you see all the people talking together, all the kids riding their bikes or playing together, and the people you haven’t talked to in a while.

I have realized over the years that Elmwood isn’t just a village, it’s a family. When I was younger, dreaming about what my life would look like, I imagined myself staying in Elmwood forever. I wanted my kids to experience UFO Days, attend an amazing school, and most importantly, realize how amazing and loving Elmwood is. I have always loved Elmwood more than I realized, and writing this has helped me see that.