How to Plan a Fourth of July Block Party

Fourth of July means beachside barbeques, firework displays, and Independence Day concerts with patriotic songs. But, many families stay home on the holiday, grilling out in the backyard or picnicking at the park. If you wish to stay close to home this Fourth of July, consider throwing a neighborhood block party. Gather up some friends and family, shut down the street, and celebrate Independence Day!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A neighborhood
• Friendly neighbors
• Fireworks permit
• A barbeque grill
• A swimming pool
• Fun activities for the kids

1. Find out if you need a fireworks permit or special license to close down parts of your street. If you live in a gated community, contact your board of directors or management agency. If you don't, contact your city office for further information. The last thing you want on the Fourth of July is a fiasco.

2. Contact your neighbors. Print up some flyers and post them on mailboxes up and down your street. Tell your neighbors you'd like their help in planning a neighborhood block party and see how many are eager to sign up.

3. Plan ahead. If one of your neighbors has a huge inground pool, request they open it for block party guests. If you have a giant grill, roll it onto your driveway and serve up burgers and hot dogs for your neighbors.

4. Provide fun activities for the children. Fourth of July is a great holiday to celebrate freedom and family. Rent a carnival popcorn machine or cotton candy maker. Plan alot of games such as water balloon fights, front lawn Twister, and hide and go seek.

5. Have alternatives to fireworks around. If you aren't allowed to set off fireworks, use smoke bombs, crackler's, or firecrackers. Always have adults on hand when setting off any form of explosives.

6. Hire a clown for the kids or a comedian for the big kids. You can often find entertainers in your phone book or online through a city search.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to have plenty of lemonade, burgers, potato chips, fruit salad, and desserts on hand. It's not a block party unless there is plenty of food to go around.
• Never set off a firecracker or smoke bomb without having a hose and fire extinguisher around.

[smartwriter57]

on 6/21/2009 interesting article, and great idea!