This weekend provided a perfect snapshot of what makes Covington special — its sense of community.

The annual Fuzz Run brought thousands of runners, volunteers and sponsors from Covington and beyond to support healthy lifestyles and public safety, while the Literacy Festival that took place just blocks away showed the community’s dedication to education.

Emory Professor Bradd Shore has studied what differentiates small towns from suburban areas, and he’s realized it’s how people interact with each other. While subdivisions promote privacy and the sense of home as a refuge from the world, small town living focuses on getting to know your neighbors and attending downtown functions.

So become involved and give some of your time and effort to the community — you’ll be amazed at how much fun you’ll have and how many friends you’ll make.