The Stuart Town Council approved donating $2,000 in financial assistance and in-kind support to One Family Productions for the 9th annual Spooktacular at its Wednesday, August 21 meeting.
Sarah Wray, president of One Family Productions, said after the Patrick County Young Professionals disbanded at the end of 2023, One Family was approached about continuing the annual event.
“We said yes because we love Stuart and Stuart Spooktacular. We are looking forward to moving forward with that. I think this event has brought a lot of community members and organizations together. Regardless of who’s doing the planning, people have kind of come together to rally behind its success,” she said.
Currently, Wray said One Family is looking forward to continuing that legacy and growing it in a way that is sustainable, safe, and efficient for businesses and visitors on Main Street.
Spooktacular is set to be held Thursday, October 31 from 5:30-8 p.m.
“Last year, the council approved $2,000 in financial support for the event to offset some of our expenses logistically, when it came to porta johns, safety, light towers. Things that we hope will provide an outlet for our visitors so they’re not having a negative impact on our businesses and running them to the door,” she said.
The in-kind support, Wray said, could include allowing One Family to use some of the town’s materials, coordinating with Town Manager Bryce Simmons to facilitate the placement of barricades, cones, and other items for the event, and working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to close Main Street.
Noting that Spooktacular has been well-attended, Mayor Ray Weiland said, “It just brings in so many people, and I think every year they rave about it. It’s been a good thing. it’s for the town and for all the businesses as well.”
In other matters, the council:
*Approved the meeting minutes as amended.
*Approved a proclamation recognizing Constitution Week.
*Paid the bills.
*Discussed the need to repaint the blue lines on handicapped parking spaces on Main Street.
*Discussed water meter leaks and the need to replace meters.
*Discussed the Downtown Revitalization Project.
*Talked about the town’s new garbage truck.
*Heard public works updates.
*Discussed creating plaques for businesses celebrating milestone years in business.
