Editorial: Farmington Fumbles Its Moment in the Spotlight—And We’re All Stuck Circling the Parking Lot
Farmington, we need to talk. On August 21st, our town’s leadership gathered to discuss the final preparations for what should be a marquee event: the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Farmington High School on Monday, August 26th. This event is the culmination of years of planning, construction, and a significant investment from our community. It’s a moment that deserves to be celebrated, shared, and, most importantly, seen. Yet, in a baffling display of shortsightedness, the town has decided not to livestream the event.
That’s right. In 2024, when even your neighbor’s cat birthday party can be live-streamed to the world, Farmington’s leadership has opted to keep this event in the dark ages, relegated to those who can physically attend—and if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the 50 chairs available. Everyone else? Well, you can look forward to some photos and, if we’re fortunate, a video recording that may or may not be cobbled together sometime after the event.
Let’s get real: this is more than just a missed opportunity. It’s a glaring failure to recognize the importance of this moment. We had the chance to show off our town’s crown jewel to past students, out-of-state alumni, potential new residents, and anyone interested in what makes Farmington unique. Instead, we’re left hoping the photos do justice to the event—and that everyone who matters is willing to fight for a parking spot at the high school.
Speaking of parking, let’s not forget the logistical circus that’s been set up. The committee’s brilliant plan includes issuing parking passes, directing some to a temporary lot, and hoping the rest will find solace in the distant Town Hall lot. It’s almost as if they want us to carpool—no, they do! The town is encouraging carpooling or walking, likely because they know what a nightmare the parking situation will be. So, here’s a tip: if you’re driving solo, pack a lunch. You might be circling the lot long enough to need it.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about a fundamental misunderstanding of what this event could and should be. The ribbon-cutting isn’t just for the people who can make it in person—it’s for everyone who has a stake in this community, whether they live here now or have moved away but still hold a piece of Farmington in their hearts. It’s for the families considering moving to our town, looking for a place where their kids can thrive. It’s for all of us who believe in the power of community and the importance of progress.
But instead of embracing the moment, Farmington’s leadership has chosen to fumble it. They’ve ignored the potential for positive PR, missed out on engaging a broader audience, and, in doing so, have kept Farmington from shining as brightly as it could. And for what? To save a few bucks on a live-streaming service? To avoid the “hassle” of setting up a camera? The excuses are weak, the decision is lazy, and the opportunity is lost.
Let’s also not forget the broader implications of this blunder. The more positive attention we bring to Farmington, the more desirable our community becomes. And that desirability doesn’t just make us feel good—it makes our property values go up. In a world where perception is everything, Farmington had the chance to project a positive image far beyond our town’s borders. Instead, we’re stuck here, circling the parking lot, wondering what could have been.
So, as you try to find a spot on August 26th, remember this: while you’re battling for a place to park, the real battle was lost long before. It was lost when our town’s leadership decided that this moment, our moment, wasn’t worth sharing with the world. And that’s a decision that affects us all, no matter where we end up parking.
Here’s hoping the next time Farmington has a moment in the spotlight, we don’t fumble it. Because we deserve better—and so does our town.
-JB-
