Community Appreciation Event Brings Neighbors Together

Last week, the Tanyard Shores community park transformed into a cozy fall festival as Elm Street Development hosted a Community Appreciation Event to celebrate the wonderful residents who make this neighborhood so special. With live music, delicious food, and festive activities, it was a night filled with warmth, laughter, and gratitude.

Neighbors gathered for an evening of food, music, and fun.

A Celebration of Community, Not a Marketing Event

When we first met with our clients, the real estate developers who planned the community, we asked if they wanted to tie their name or logo into any signage or make a cute mocktail named after them. Right away, they wanted to make one thing clear: this event wasn’t about promotion or sales. It was a genuine thank you to the people who call this community home. Every detail, from the food to the décor, was planned with residents in mind, and Elm Street Development wanted nothing in return.

A Perfect Fall Setting

The event took place in the community park, which offered the perfect setting. Families spread across the open area while kids played at the playground, rode bikes in the bike park, and visited the dog park. The amphitheater came alive with music from Sly45, a fun and energetic band that had everyone tapping their feet. As the sun set, café lights twinkled overhead, giving the whole evening a warm, inviting glow.

All pets were welcome!

The community center features a rad bike park!

The playground was bustling with kids of all ages

Sly45 performing

Cafe lights created the perfect ambiance

Food, Drinks, and Fall Flavors

No one left hungry. The park was lined with five food trucks serving up a mix of cuisines: cookies, pizza, Tex-Mex, burritos, and Western American favorites. Alongside the food trucks, Maryland Mobile Bars set up a Tuk-Tuk as the main bar, accompanied by two charming satellite bars, so no one would have to wait for a beverage.

Food Trucks lined the park

The Mobile Bar: A Tuk-Tuk converted into a full-service bar!

The star of the drink menu was the signature mocktail, the Tanyard Sunset, named for the glow of the dawn over the community’s shoreline.  Apple cider, pear nectar, ginger beer, and a dash of cinnamon provided the balanced flavors that captured the autumn vibe so perfectly and was a big hit with everyone who tried it. Although this was an alcohol-free event, the mocktail made some guests feel like they were imbibing in a luxurious cocktail at a street festival.

The Tanyard Sunset – a Mocktail we custom-created for this event

Hitching a Ride to the Party

On our first site visit while planning the event, I was immediately concerned about parking in the area.  There are plenty of spaces for residents and their visitors, but with food trucks utilizing half of those space, and residents coming by the hundreds from all over the neighborhood, I knew parking would be an issue.  I asked our client if they would like to have golf carts circulate throughout the community offering rides to residents so they could safely get to and from the event without needing to park.  It seemed like a great idea, but our clients were wondering if that was even possible.  I chuckled and retorted, “Yeah, I have a guy for that!”  I can always rely on Benjy from Charm Cars to provide comfortable short-distance transportation.

One of Charm Cars’ 6-seater golf carts – photo from a different event (photo credit: Natalie Lane Photography)

Cozy Touches and Community Laughter

As the evening cooled down, blankets were laid out for guests to use. It was an unexpected touch for the residents, and they were much appreciated when temperatures dropped into the 50’s. Many guests asked if they needed to return the blankets when the event concluded, but we continually clarified that they were a complimentary gift for guests to keep. The look of surprise was endearing, and the gratitude was adorable. Before long, residents started calling them the “free blankets,” which became one of the fun running jokes of the night.

Complimentary Blankets

Fun for the Whole Family

The pumpkin decorating station was a huge hit with the kids, and plenty of parents joined in, too. With paints, stickers, googly eyes, and other creative supplies, everyone got to show off their fall spirit while enjoying the music and food nearby.

A Night to Remember

With tables covered in terracotta and dark green linens, a soft autumn breeze in the air, and neighbors gathered under the café lights, the evening felt warm and full of community spirit.

Vendor Team:
Planning, Design & Coordination: Plan It Perfect Events
Food Trucks: Roaming Coyote, Captain Cookie & The Milkman, Rito Loco, Smoke-n-Wheels, Moe Slice of Life
Music: Sly45 from Watershed Entertainment
Pumpkins: Baugher’s Orchard & Farm
Lighting and Rentals: Party Plus Tents + Events
Photography: Jennifer Smutek Photography (all photos in this blog are courtesy of JSP, unless otherwise noted)
Golf Cart Transportation: Charm Cars