Start the planning of your neighborhood block party by getting permission from the city. Once you've got the necessary paperwork and roadblocks to close off your street, you can plan the fun details like food, entertainment and games. more »
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A block party is a great way to bring a neighborhood together, no matter the occasion. Even more so, organizing a block party around a specific... more »
Block parties are more fun with music! Incorporate different styles of music and blend in some local flavor for a truly unique play list that... more »
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A block party is a large public party in which many members of a single neighbourhood congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual enjoyment. The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entire city block to vehicle traffic. Many times, there will be a celebration in the form of playing music and dance and activities like pony rides, inflatable slides, pop corn machines and BBQs. Block parties gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s. Block parties were often held outdoors and power for the DJs sound system was taken illegally from street lights. This was famously referenced in the song "South Bronx" by KRS-One with the line:
"Power from a street light made the place dark. But yo, they didnt care, they turned it out."
Traditionally, many inner city block parties were actually held illegally, because they did not file for an event permit from the local authorities "if needed". However, police turned a blind eye to them.
In the suburbs, block parties are commonly held on holidays such as Fourth of July or Labor Day. Sometimes the occasion may be a theme such a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" for a new family or a recent popular movie. Often block parties involve barbecuing, lawn games such as Simon Says and group dancing such as the Electric Slide, the Macarena or line dancing.
In other usage, a block party has come to mean any informal public celebration. For example, a block party can be conducted via television even though there is no real block in the observance. The same is true for the Internet.
The block party is closely related to the beach party. The British equivalent is the street party.
In many small towns, the local fire department may also participate in the party, bringing out trucks that they display for show.
History of the block party
Block parties are reported as a World War I innovation originating from the East Sid read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block+party
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