About Block Parties

Block parties aren't as common today as they once were. In some neighborhoods today, neighbors don't even know each other. Hosting a block party by yourself or with a neighbor is one way for neighbors to socialize. When neighbors know each other, the neighborhood is safer because the neighbors will watch out for each other.

Types

There are two kinds of block parties--a fun party and a work party. A fun block party is one where the main focus is getting to know your neighbors and having a good time. A working block party is where the main focus is cleaning up the neighborhood or helping someone in the neighborhood to complete a project. Working block parties are common after natural disasters in which people's homes are damaged.

Considerations

Planning and hosting a block party are considerable efforts. In some areas, you will have to get permission from the city or county to hold a block party. This is especially true if you need the road blocked for activities. If you don't want to have to deal with the authorities, consider asking the the neighbors on both sides of your house to let you set up activities in their yards. You may need to help the neighbors rope off certain areas of the yards, such as flower beds.

Time Frame

A block party should be held when children are out of school and when the weather is nice. Most block parties start just before lunch or in the early afternoon and last well into the evening. This, of course, is just a general guideline. If you are hosting a working block party, it may be more productive for you to hold the block party on a federal holiday when children will be in school.

Significance

Block parties are a good way for neighbors to meet each other and strengthen the neighborhood. These parties, often hosted by one or two families on the block, give the adults a chance to talk and get to know each other while the kids play.

Features

Block parties usually feature food and entertainment. Many block parties are actually big barbecues in which the barbecue is cooked by several families. Other families may provide side dishes. As far as entertainment, you may want to rent an inflatable bouncing toy, such as a castle, or you can just provide balls and other regular toys for the kids. If there is a park on your block, make the park the central location for the block party so the kids can play on that equipment.

[mickymar]

on 3/24/2009 Its too bad that so many dont have the time for these. Maybe if everyone slowed down and smelled the roses, there would be less anger. Thanks for the share! 5* R