Behind the Scenes: Backyard Games, and a Main Street Birthday Surprise
Volunteering at Backyard Games
Warren County Habitat Unplugged hosted their Backyard Games at the Gazebo, and I jumped in to help a little bit with setup. There’s something energizing about watching a area transform from an empty parking lot space into a place buzzing with families!
A Birthday Mission on Main Street
But the day wasn’t done with me yet.
I switched gears from community volunteer to undercover birthday operative. I had designed a Happy Birthday poster for John — a handsome guy turning 35 who absolutely deserved a Main Street‑level celebration.
So what did I do? I printed the poster, grabbed some tape, and Patrick. We walked up and down Main Street asking shop owners if they’d put John’s birthday sign in their windows.
And you know what? They said yes. Because that’s what Front Royal does — we show up for each other, even in the small, silly, joy‑filled ways.
The Big Reveal
The best part was the surprise. John had no idea. John’s mom Niki planned him a birthday surprise with an epic cake! He was SURPRISE!!! Then Niki setup the big reveal and told John that he may have another surprise on Main Street, and he was off. A bit later came the call- John was so excited and my heart was full! When he saw his face smiling back at him from storefront windows all over town, he loved it. Mission accomplished.
Moments like this — the mix of community service, creativity, and a little bit of harmless mischief — are exactly why I love what I do. Whether it’s helping set up a family event or orchestrating a Main Street birthday takeover, it all comes back to connection.
Why It Matters
Community isn’t just built at big galas or formal events. It’s built in parks, on sidewalks, in shop window and at the end of the day, in the small gestures that make someone feel celebrated. it’s the small acts of kindness, the shared laughter, and the moments of showing up for one another that stitch a community together. Whether it’s setting up for family events or plastering Main Street with a birthday surprise, I’m grateful for every chance to add a little joy to the place I call home.
Peace and love — always.
