According to the calendar, August is a border between summer and autumn. According to the forecast, it was 96 degrees in the shade at the August 9 MBPA Bizz Buzz, hosted by the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA).
Founded in 1907 as the governing body for all mounted hunting in North America, the MFHA relocated to Middleburg after a complete restoration and renovation of the circa 1830 former Allen Family home at 301 East Washington Street. The Middleburg Historic District Review Committee and the Loudoun County Joint Architectural Review Board have publicly recognized the outstanding work done to revitalize the structure while keeping its historic character intact.
“MFHA and Billie Jo Pearl, Director of Operations, have immersed themselves in this community from the start,” said MBPA President Punkin Lee. “She provides extra parking for major town events, hosts the Department of Motor Vehicles, community shred days, and brought a new event to Glenwood Park― Dog Daze ― with much success. The MFHA will also host an electronics recycling day August 27!”
The mission of the MFHA is to promote, preserve and protect the sport of mounted hunting in the United States and Canada and by establishing and maintain standards of conduct,” explained Billie Jo. “We also have two foundations- the MFHA Foundation educates the public about mounted hunting, promote conservation of land, and facilitates preservation of natural habitats, as well as supporting and encouraging hound health initiatives.”
“The second is the Hunt Staff Benefit Foundation, which provides financial assistance to hunt staff in need and also provides professional and educational development for hunt staff,” she continued. “It sounds like a little bit, but it’s a lot! Even if you are not a foxhunter, I encourage you to become a member because we all support countryside values.”
Middleburg Accolades
Three community members were named to Loudoun’s 40 Under 40: Tami Erickson of Seven Loaves Services, Middleburg Town Council Member Chris Bernard, and Michelle McNaughton, MBPA Board Member and owner of the PLAYroom.
Loudoun Now’s 2022 Favorites included LouLou Boutiques, Climatic Heating & Cooling, Brick & Mortar Mercantile, the Red Fox Inn, the Market Group and the Salamander Resort & Spa.
The Red Fox Inn, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant and the Salamander Resort & Spa were named among the Best Places to Stay in Travel & Leisure Magazine’s profile of Loudoun County.
Thanks to Bendure Communications, MBPA secured a spot on WUSA9’s Great Day Washington to promote the Summer Sidewalk Sale! Ali from the Town and Katy from MBPA trekked to DC with Ali’s car full of Sidewalk Sale items, as well as Veronica, the mannequin from the Tack Box. Veronica’s head and wig fell off en route but was refastened in time for her television debut. To watch Katy and Veronica on television, please click here.
Town Updates
Fasten your lederhosen and get ready: Middleburg Oktoberfest is BACK! The Second Middleburg Oktoberfest is Saturday, September 17 from 11 am-7 pm in downtown Middleburg.
This year’s festivities will take place on S. Madison and Federal Streets, featuring two biergartens, live music and Artists’ Alley. Applications for Artists’ Alley are open!
On September 21, Lori Daly, Founder and President of Diversifi Consulting Group and Middleburg resident will host a workshop open to all Middleburg businesses. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Welcoming Your Customers will be held at the American Legion from 5:30-7 pm. Please RSVP via the Facebook Event or email Katy at info@visitmiddleburgva.com.
“One in four people in America have a disability and people with disabilities represent the third largest market segment in the U.S. with significant discretionary income, regardless of race, age or gender” Lori said. “The workshop will advise on what the ADA is, the proper disability etiquette you should use, and how to create a successful interaction with a person with a disability purchasing from your business.”
“Let’s make sure we are inclusive and barrier free to anyone who comes here to visit or shop,” she continued. “There are tons of benefits, tax writes offs and so forth that your businesses can take advantage of in becoming ADA compliant.”
MBPA Updates
As an extension of the Town’s Business Survey, the Town and MBPA will host two Focus Groups in Mid-August. More detailed feedback from our business community members is imperative so that we may better assist you all on the path to continued success. Groups are limited in size to encourage candid discussion, and all comments will be held in the strictest of confidence.
Tuesday, August 23 8:30 am-10 am Middleburg Community Center Terrace Room
Wednesday, August 24 5:30-7 pm Middleburg Library Meeting Room
Attendance is vitally important so that the Town and MBPA can hear from business owners and employees. Please click here to register.
The MBPA Board of Directors election is approaching quickly. If you have the time and inclination to serve, please contact Punkin at 540-687-5888. Nominations will be submitted after the October Biz Buzz and the election will be held in November. There are three spots available.
Upcoming Events
- Oyster Riot at Boxwood Estate Winery September 3
- NSLM Polo Classic at Great Meadow September 11.
- Land Trust of Virginia Bike the Gravel Tour de Conservation Easement September 24.
- At the Parish House Concert Series at Emmanuel Episcopal September 25.
- Countdown to the Middleburg Film Festival will feature community activities with a block party the night before the Film Festival Opens.
- Tenth Annual Middleburg Film Festival October 13-16.
- The Mille Miglia returns to Middleburg October 20-22.
Remember to submit your upcoming events to Katy at info@visitmiddleburgva.com.
The deadline for inclusion in the September printed calendar is August 20. If you tell Katy a funny joke, she will give you an extension to Wednesday, August 24.
Online calendar listings and social media posts may be submitted at any time, but please try to submit them at least a week before the event.
Please join MBPA for the next Bizz Buzz on Tuesday, September 13 at Lost Barrel Brewing, hosted jointly with McEnearney Realtors!