We were a little baffled by the fact that those in charge of Indianola Days didn’t want the Herald to mention the fact that the community’s much-anticipated and very unique event is this coming weekend.

No splashy pre-story, no calendar listing, no photos — they didn’t want it.

What it boils down to is no welcome mat for “outsiders” at the annual event. This is pretty much a first for North Kitsap and we were honestly taken back a tad by the idea of one of our communities not welcoming residents and neighbors from surrounding towns to join in the festivities.

What if Poulsbo decided to roll up its welcome mat for Viking Fest, Kingston decided to keep its Fourth of July celebration to itself or Suquamish opted not to invite others to share in its heritage during Chief Seattle Days? Where would our greater sense of community be then?

Sure Indianola Days started off catering to residents of that community but it has grown into something that many from North Kitsap and beyond now look forward to. Sand castle building contests, family races and sometimes even a parade makes its way into the event.

But apparently non-Indianola residents shouldn’t.

Have we not been gracious neighbors and invited you to our communities with open arms and broad smiles?

Why the change of heart?