Photobooth at the Autumn Leaves Car Show | Granville NY

It’s a vulnerable feeling, to put yourself out there and let your community know you’re in business. The kids, Karl and I shlepped the booth items to the fairgrounds for the Autumn Leaves Car Show in Granville and were immediately greeted by the kind folks running it, who offered (several) hands to help us set up. Already, I could feel the warmth of our neighbors, helping to support us.

I had a front row seat to the car show, a wonderful bonus for our first year setting this up. I watched the smiles on the faces of the car owners and the other vendors as they gathered in small groups of three or four, catching up and sipping coffee as they reminisced. This is the beauty of small town living.

I wondered if anyone would show up—with it being our first year, would anyone know about it, or care? An hour went by with a few smiles and friendly chatter, before Kaiser’s friend Sebastian, his sweet new baby brother, and his family walked up. I was overjoyed to see familiar faces, and we got great photos! The momentum built, and before I knew it, I had a line of giddy kiddos behind me.

My eyes filled with gratitude; it’s an incredible feeling to have your community come out to support you, and to have the opportunity to serve your neighbors who lift you up in regular life every day. Here are just a few of the families who came to support us; we can’t wait to see who comes out next year!