Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors and promote community pride. They are never really difficult to organize, but always seem to be more successful with a little planning. 

Block parties can occur in single-family subdivisions, townhouse complexes, apartment buildings or in condominiums, where neighbors organize an event to gather in their community.

Why Hold a Block Party

• Great way to meet neighbors. Finding out who lives in the neighborhood can really help identify who are strangers.
• Increase community pride and a sense of belonging.
• To realize the resources available within your subdivision. You may find a use for a babysitter club or a garden tool swap program. There could be individuals in the neighborhood that are willing to volunteer their knowledge for the betterment of the community such as a lawyer or an accountant.
• Have a neighborhood cleanup and end it with a cookout.
• Take this opportunity to meet some of the long time residents and learn the history of the community.
• Put a Crime Watch Group together.
• Above all remember to have fun and celebrate the neighborhood!  

Block parties take some work, but should still be fun. With a little organizing, they can be successful. 

Steps to Organizing a Block Party: 

1. Divide the work. Involve others in the planning process. This will help with the sharing of responsibility. You will want to think about children activities, what type of food to prepare, if there will be a theme to the party, 
2. Like all good parties, you will need to know a date, time and location. Have a calendar handy when making this decision so you can avoid any upcoming holidays. Most block parties occur on the weekends when families are more likely available. 
3. Obtain a Special Event Permit from the Action Center. Be sure to request barricades if needed. This should be done 10 days in advance. Please note that if there is a City function the same day as your party, barricades may not be available. 
4. Decide on activities. Children love games and the adults always seem to find there way into the fun. Block parties can occur after a community garage sale, Annual Clean-up, during National Night Out or just so you can get to know your neighbors.

Some suggestions for activities:

• Jump House for the kids
• Cake or Cookie Walk
• 2 Liter Ring Toss
• Face Painting
• Pet Parade
• Decorate the Bike Parade
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Water Balloon or Egg Toss
• Invite a Clown or Magician