Withers LaRue performs popular hits for the crowd at The People’s Ball on New Year’s Eve. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — On Sunday night, community members of all ages stepped through the doors of the War Memorial Building to celebrate the coming of the New Year, with an event sponsored by the Shepherdstown Community Club and Shepherdstown Shares.

According to The People’s Ball organizer John Meeker, planning for the ball began in October.

“We weren’t setting out to have a fundraising event. We wanted to have fun and, if people wanted to donate, well that would be just lovely,” Meeker, who is a board member of Shepherdstown Shares, said. “So, we’re not charging a cover, we’re not asking for particular donations or anything. We’re relying on the kindness of our community. That’s always worked out well for us in the past!”

Donations were able to made at the event on New Year’s Eve, in the form of cash or payment via the QR codes posted throughout the space. The proceeds from the donations were then equally divided between Shepherdstown Shares and the Shepherdstown Community Club, according to Meeker.

“We used to do all of the Mardi Gras celebrations here and at the (Shepherdstown) Train Station in the ’90s. We kind of wanted to bring some of that back,” Meeker said. “We even have some of my old pals who played at some of those events get a band together and play here.”

Community members fill their plates with food at The People’s Ball on New Year’s Eve. Tabitha Johnston

Looking back, Meeker could only recall one similar New Year’s Eve party in town — a millennium celebration in the War Memorial Building. But, since then, he and other ball attendees could not remember a single community wide New Year’s Eve celebration being held in Shepherdstown.

“Even if we don’t make money on it or lose a little, it’s worth it, as a way to say ‘thanks’ to the people,” said Shepherdstown Shares Treasurer Mark Kohut, who noted that the idea for this event was sprouted in fall 2022, but at that time the 501(c)3 organization did not have the funds to make it happen. “This has been the best year for Shepherdstown Shares.”

Donations of Prosecco cider and beer from Jefferson Distributing, finger food from Alma Bea, The Press Room, Bistro 112 and Crave Kitchen and time and talents from emcee Madameoiselle Chablis made the event financially doable, according to Meeker. He noted that the name for the event was coined by Shepherdstown Shares President Jan Hafer, as a way to express that the ball was intended to be a laid back, free event for all. With this concept in mind, a children’s version of the ball had also been planned to take place on the first floor of the War Memorial Building throughout the evening — up until Saturday, when the three individuals in charge of that half of the event tested positive for COVID-19, forcing that portion of the ball to be canceled.

With hopes that such an unfortunate circumstance will not strike twice, Hafer indicated it is likely that, provided funding remains consistent over the next year, the full event will be brought to life on New Year’s Eve 2024.

“Now we are post-COVID — sort of — and so things are coming back and people are wanting to come back together more,” Hafer said. “It was a natural thing for the Party Czar, John Meeker, to create this.”

Community members wait in line for a cup of Prosecco cider or beer on Sunday night. Tabitha Johnston

Shepherdstown Shares board president Jan Hafer, right, chats with a couple community members at the nonalcoholic beverage stand in the War Memorial Building on New Year’s Eve. Tabitha Johnston

Community members dance the night away in the War Memorial Building on New Year’s Eve. Tabitha Johnston