Just over here reminiscing about what an incredible time everyone had last Saturday at our McIntire Plaza Fall Festival. It couldn’t have gone more perfectly. And although the Festival went on without a hitch, there were some moments leading up to the event that had all of us skeptical if we could even pull it off. Many thanks to all!

When Covid hit, we made it a priority to help our customers and the community. We were constantly brainstorming ways that we could provide assistance to these businesses during this most difficult time. We wanted to do anything we could to lift the spirits of our customers and the community by frequenting these businesses whenever possible, buying gift cards, and by using our commercial tenants for our resident events.

In early 2021, we became hopeful again. Businesses were opening back up and mandates were being lifted; and, life was slowly starting to look a little more “normal.” Although Covid changed everything, we were energized and hopeful for the future. New businesses began renting space at McIntire Plaza. Our apartments were leasing quickly. Some businesses even needed to expand. To keep the buzz about McIntire going, we wanted to raise public awareness. Many people drive past it every day without ever turning in. Sure, they have heard and seen the anchor businesses: Great Harvest Bread, Cville Coffee, and Circa; but how many have taken the opportunity to explore all that McIntire Plaza has to offer? Our team concluded that a community block party was the ticket. We were thinking this could be a fun event to usher in the summer; then, Delta became a threat, and our planning was put on hold.

As summer turned to fall, we were ready. The Covid numbers in our area were decreasing, and we no longer wanted to wait around and twiddle our thumbs. Our initial thought of a summer block party transitioned to the McIntire Plaza Fall Festival. We were so excited, and the ideas were flowing!

Early on, we decided that not only did we want the event to be open to the public, but we wanted it to be a fun spot for both parents and children to gather. Once we locked down the date of October 30th, even more ideas came to us: costumes, a parade, free pizza for the kiddos, trick-or-treating, a bounce house, live music, and so much more. We contacted the businesses, and they were thrilled and eager to participate.

The concept was expanding, and we saw the event as an excellent opportunity to also give back. The McIntire Plaza businesses donated some fabulous gifts for a raffle, with all proceeds going to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville. We also decided to reach out to some local vendors and food trucks, because why not? We want to help out EVERYONE in the community because that’s what makes Charlottesville a uniquely special place. People truly care and want to help others. The McIntire Plaza Fall Festival exemplified a piece of what this incredible community has to offer, and we at Woodard Properties were so proud to be a part of it.

A big thank you to all of the Albemarle High School Key Club Volunteers, our family volunteers, the community, our residents, and all of the following participating businesses for making this a successful event for all!