How to Have an Inexpensive End of Summer Block Party

End of summer blues and you need a pick me up. No problem. Have a block party. Not only will you get over the hump of the "summer blues" but it signals the close of summer and beginning of school without the dread. It's a way to get to know some of your neighbors and help the kids look forward to the coming school days.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• City Hall permit
• Your own flyers
• Organization, friends
• Trash committee
• Party favors
• Some school supplies
• Plenty of trash bags
• Meeting with the neighbors about the event
• Ice chests and ice
• Make a list of foods planned

1. 
    
   Permits from city hall

   Block Party Permits
   
   Go to your local city hall and inquire about an application to have a block party. You can't legally have a block party without the city/county permission. They have to be aware whenever an assemble of people will occur. Fill out the necessary papers and file them. You can't get started until you have the OK. There may be a minimal fee to do. It's worth it.

2. 
    
   Make flyers

   Flyers
   
   Prepare flyers to give to your neighbors indicating there will be a block party. Make sure it has a lively and festive design. Include the following information:
   
   >Date
   >Time
   >Location
   >Sponsored by
   >Cost
   >Your Name, address, phone and email if they have questions
   >Request for volunteers

3. 
    
   Group meeting

   Start organizing
   
   Call your friends, neighbors, family and let them know what's happening. Tell them there will be a nominal fee to participate. This is not designed to bankrupt you but for all to have fun. Alcoholic beverages should not be served in the presence of underage children and without permission. There are laws concerning open containers in public places. Ask for help. Line up your crew and a meeting date to iron out the wrinkles. Delegate each task and explain what exactly you need. Discuss the budget (if any). Anticipate the fees will break even after the event. Don't go overboard and do expect others to chip in, monetary or volunteering. It can not be done a handful of people. Decide who will bake, barbecue, clean up, pot lucks, party supplies, napkins and so. Be clear. When you have a good idea of how many people might come, begin your shopping list.

4. 
    
   Plan for emergencies

   First Aid station
   
   Always be prepared for accidents or injuries. Do have a table designed with a poster board indicating that you have first aid. Everyone knows the Red Cross symbol indicates first aid. Have bandages, swabs, antiseptic, alcohol, water, ice and so on. Lucky for you if you have a nurse in the bunch. Be prepared for emergencies.

5. 
    
   Prepare your Foods, games, etc

   Once you have received response from the invites, prepare the menu, do the shopping and take a friend. You can't do it all. Plan to have games for the kids. Don't forget the balloons, and party favors. Buy school supplies like pencils, erasers, glue, markers as prizes for games. Have a card table and a sitting area. Don't forget to include on your flyers to tell people to bring their own lawn chairs.

6. 
    
   Fees included

   Organize
   
   Don't wait till the day before you see if you have everything in place. Check your food list, beverages, supplies, favors and who does what. Confirm tasks and set up the "fee" table. Charging a small amount should be in the $2 - $6 range for each family or separate charge for individuals. Your choice. Your party.

7. Have Fun!!!

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to have good clean fun
• Stay alert and have volunteers report any odd activities. Remember you do have a city permit and rules must be adhered to.
• Thank everyone who does attend
• Be sure you have a clean up crew, including someone with a pick up truck to possible haul some of the trash away.
• There is always a possibility of one bad apple in the crowd.
• Be on the look out
• Don't have blaring music, this is a show stopper! The law will come.

[newstime1999]

on 8/18/2009 Good article.

[florac]

on 8/16/2009 I'll have to try this...it looks like a good idea. Great timing with this article. I just moved here so i should get to know my neighbors.