How to throw a block party

This article is about how to plan and throw a great neighborhood block party

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Block
• Participating Neighbors
• Willing to have fun

1. First I would come up with 2 or 3 different days to have it and leave at least 1 to 1 1/2 months to plan. You don't want to ask each neighbor a day you will have to many.
   
   1)You will need to survey your neighbors to see if there is any interest.
   a) you can simply walk door to door
   b) you can send a mailing
   c) you can use a party planning service
   
   At this point you also find out which of the 2 or 3 days you choose is better for your neighbors.
2. Once you compile a list of "yes" or no" it is time to decide what the majority
   wants. I would say if 70% of the block says yes, then go forward.
3. The next step is to find out if your local township or government requires a permit.
   You can call you local town to see if a permit is available.
4. Most towns require you to collect signatures of your neighbors to show participation and ok the
   street to be closed on that day. This is your opportunity to go back to all neighbors, collect signatures, go over the date that majority wants, survey them to find a what kind of activities they would like on the block that day, and get a head count. You may also want to collect some money at this point because the whole block shares in all expenses like DJ, entertainers, Inflatable Rides, ETC. Let them know the figure can go up or down and you will get estimates and SAVE YOUR RECIPTS
5. At this point it is time to shop around for your activities and entertainment. You can ask friends or search in phone books, or look online. At TheBlockPartyHome. Com we have growing list of DJ's,
   clowns, magicians, other entertainers, pony rides, inflatable rides, food, portable toilet rentals and more.
6. At this point you should have a list with prices of at least 3 companies in each category you plan to have (dj, clown, magician, slides Etc.
   Get the total cost for the block sharing expense and see it figure fits into everyone's budget.
   
   You may need to collect more money at this time before you book so you don't get stuck with a big out of pocket expense
7. By now, you should have collected signatures and mailed back the form to your town. .
   You should have a set date
   You should have a head count
   You should have a budget
   You should know what activities you will have and booked them
   
   Now you can almost relax. Almost there is more.
8. About a week before the block party, call your vendors to make sure they are still coming. If they can't you will need to get new entertainment.
   Continue speaking with your neighbors and start giving task if you would like
9. MORNING OF PARTY DAY:
   
   Have all neighbors move cars off the block. There is going to be a lot going on
   plus you will have lots of kids riding bikes, ponies, and other things. You don't want to hurt them or damage your cars.
   
   You might want to confirm one more time with your hired vendors.
   
   You will need to close your street. Start setting up tables, chairs, games BBQ's and HAVE FUN.....

Tips & Warnings

• Other things to consider 1) See if your town can send a street sweeper the day before to clean your block 2) Hold a 50/50 raffle at the party. The is a great way to make back some money for the party or put the money towards next years party. What you do is get some raffle tickets. Mid day at your party, start walking up and down the block selling tickets. Most parties do 1 ticket for $1.00, 6 tickets for $5.00 and 12 for $10. At the end of the party you pick a winner. The money in the pot is split between the winner and the block. (check the legality of this in your township) 3) Invite lots of friends and family to spend the day. Have each person bring a food dish, dessert, or drink to the party to share in the festivities 4) If there is left over money in the blocks budget, you might want to open a checking account and title it "annual block party account" It is safe, you get records of transactions and check you give to vendors
• Be safe