While most Americans think of April 1 as April Fool's Day, many people are unaware that April 1 is also Natinonal Census Day.

The town of Edgefield's Census Committee celebrated the 2010 National Census Day by visiting with businesses and residents around town and handing out tokens, such as water bottles and cups.

A representative for the 2010 census was at the Edgefield town hall on National Census Day, and will be at the hall on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8-1 until the completion of the census. The Census Comittee wishes for all citizens to know the importance of filling out the census forms and returning them, as the amount of federal money given for Edgefield county and its towns is based upon the census information.

The census also helps to determines the number of representatives each state will have in Congress. This year, the census will be shorter and less time consuming.

The United States Census stresses to all U.S. residents that the census is confidential and safe, and will not be used for child support purposes nor for tracking down illegal immigrants or those wanted by law enforcement. For residents with a post office box, the census forms will not be mailed,and the Census Committee asks that these residents come by town hall to pick up a form. For those interested in working or participating in the Census, applicants can still apply until next week.

The different job descriptions and other details are listed on the census website at http://2010.census.gov. All census forms should be completed and returned by April; census workers and volunteers will be visiting households from May to July 2010 of those that did not return forms.

The town of Johnston discussed some ideas for April 10 with U.S. Census representative, Angela Pride, at last month's council meeting. On April 10, Johnston will need volunteers to appear door to door to distribute flyers.

South Carolina ranked low in participation on the last census, and could lose a large amount of federal funding in the 2010 census if residents do not participate.

So while you chuckle over April Fool jokes, remember that the census is no laughing matter!