Summer is winding down. Back to school supplies are popping up in stores and you’re asking yourself “Where did my summer go?!?”
It’s not too late to have a little fun. Before you and your neighbors begin hibernation with chilly months approaching, you should get out and meet them.
Because if you don’t plan a neighborhood block party… who will?
Guidelines:
1. Don’t Let The Fuzz Show Up Uninvited. If you’re looking to shut down a street for a few hours, you have to let the city know. Technically, you have to have permission from the city. That would probably be the most embarrassing mistake you could make, so avoid it. If for some reason the Fuzz shows up, give ‘em hamburgers.
2. Hand Out Enticing Invitations. Make sure to only invite the neighbors who will be fun and not grouchy. I’d print some flyers and stick them on doorsteps around the neighborhood. Then, while at the party, create an e-mail list sign-up sheet so that the following year you can simply send out invitations online. Or, you can use an online event registration resource (like ZapEvent!) to see who’s coming and who’s not.
3. Eat Good Food. Don’t Mess Up This One. Write on the flyer what everyone should bring. Go by first letter of last names:
A-F Drinks , Utensils, Plates
G-L Main Dishes
M-R Sides
S-Z Desserts
Just make sure there is someone on your block with the last name S-Z. And that they’re responsible. This is, after all, the most important ingredient to a successful Block Party. (Next to the drinks, of course.)
4. Prepare For the Weather! Indicate a tentative rescheduling date on your flyer. Something like “Block Party, on in the sunshine, off if it rains! If there’s rain, reschedule date set for August 25 @ 5:00 PM!” Since you’re not communicating online with people, this may be the way to go; it prevents you from having to re-communicate information and waste your time!
5. Keep the Children Entertained! At my first block party as a 2nd grader, I broke my arm because some adult planned a less-than-wise game. (Luckily we had a Dr. on the street!) Red Light Green Light, 3-legged races and just a plain ol’ 4 square can be a ton of fun. Invite neighbors to bring toys or games as well.
6. Provide Bumpin’ Tunes. I’m thinkin’ some sound system blasting a mix of pop and oldies. Don’t be the person who forces everyone to listen to Country against their will.
7. Break the Ice. (For the adults, who sometimes have more difficulty mingling than kids do). Don’t do anything big or formal that takes away from the natural atmosphere of the party. A favorite of mine is to get plastic blocks from a craft store and slide in pieces of paper with different questions on them. Or, if you’re even more cheapo, simply find a block-shaped-thing in your house, print off some questions and glue them on the block. Place it on tables or around the place. It’s a great conversation starter. Be creative; have fun with it.
I bet you have awesome block party suggestions. Feel free to comment and let us know! Best wishes in your Block Party adventure. You’ll rock it.
If you’re looking to plan a huge block party or another large event, be sure to consider utilizing ZapEvent’s online event registration.
