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More than 200 people gathered that afternoon for the ninth annual Women's Day Block Party at the home of John Williams at 42 Chapman Ave. in Auburn.

Williams told ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» he and his friends started the event to show appreciation to the women of Auburn, noting that they're often the organizers of local celebrations.

"We just wanted to give one day back to them, for all the things they do for us, because we could always go to different events that they put on," he said.

Williams and Darrel Love, who has been making food at the event since the first one, added that it's meant to bring the entire community together as well.

"We just wanted to give back to the women, (but) it's not only just for the women. It's a community event," he said.

"We don't turn anybody away. Everybody's welcome to come down, grab some food and have a good time." 

Organizer Judean Hanks, Williams' niece, told ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» he loves to honor women "and wanted them to feel great" as her 4-year-old son, Jru Ignont, ran around her and tried handstands. 

The first Women's Day Block Party saw men prepare meats and women bring side dishes, with competitions for each. That has remained a tradition through Saturday's event, with men such as William Harley, "Money" Mike McKinley, Carlos Villalba and brothers Darrel and Brian Love grilling chicken, burgers and more in the backyard, where smoke lingered lightly in the air.

"It's like Thanksgiving times 12," Hanks said.

Before the feast began, pastor Ted Freeman Jr. gave a blessing for the food. Seniors were given the first spots in line.

The party was sponsored by coworking business Melody's, Prison City Brewing and more. DJ Quis (Marquis Agee) played music as attendees chatted and children played at bounce houses. Commemorative shirts were also available. Hanks said the party has expanded to the point that a planning committee was formed for this year's, and organizers are already looking to grow in 2025.

Hanks, who flew in from Atlanta for the party, said other Auburn natives travel from across the country for it as well. It holds particular significance for those who grew up around Chapman Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods, and attended the nearby Booker T. Washington Community Center. For them, the party is an opportunity to reconnect after years apart.

"It just shows community effort," Hanks said. "It shows that this is an important event for the city of Auburn."

Hiawatha Smallwood, who is from Auburn and went to the community center when she was younger, said she has attended the party for a couple years.

"Even though we grew up and went our own ways," she said, "it's like we never missed a beat."