Plan a Successful Block Party: Bring Back the Charm of Yesteryear

The block party is somewhat a relic of the past. Years ago neighbors dropped in and out of each other houses, children played in yards throughout the area, and everyone knew the names and, often, interests of those who lived around them.

Times have changed: In the past you, invited neighbors to dinner to get to know them. Now you are more likely to invite neighbors to dinner after you know them.

Reasons for the decline of the block party range from people working longer hours, a more transient population, busier streets and safety issues, a general lack of time, and the fact that it isn't part of a neighborhood tradition. But it doesn't have to stay that way, and early fall is the perfect time to start a block party tradition as people are back from summer vacations and the weather is a comfortable temperature.

Like any other activity, getting a neighborhood block party started takes a bit of organization, a small group of people to do most of the work, and a willingness to try something new. Here are some steps to follow to have a successful block party.

Step 1: Designate a coordinator.

A core planning group will get the party off the ground. The party can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, but organization is a key component. One person should be in charge of tracking details so that tasks get accomplished when they need to be.

Step 2: Gauge interest.

After talking to a few friends and neighbors and determining that they think a block party is a good idea, get a broader consensus. This can be done via flyers distributed with a return tear sheet, by knocking on doors, or making phone calls. When gauging attendance interest, include a set date so the party will actually occur.

Step 3: Collect money or establish pot luck guidelines.

Bring-your-own-everything makes for difficult logistics and a not-very-cohesive party. One way to streamline the process is to establish a pot of money that covers utensils, plates, and a main dish (i.e. hamburgers and buns if barbequing), and then ask that everyone else bring a side dish or dessert to share, and their own beverages. If collecting money, give a deadline for donations to be dropped off so the planning group does not end up paying for the party. If not collecting money, ask that families from different sections of the neighborhood bring different items (i.e. plates and napkins from Street X, and hamburger buns and cutlery from Street Y). In both instances, have a back up plan!

Step 4: Establish guidelines for children, or have appropriate activities.

If having a "Neighborhood Happy Hour" or other adult-themed block party, set the parameters immediately. In the more likely instance of a family-friendly block party, offering activities or at least plenty space to for children to roam will make a more enjoyable party for everyone and limit the amount of harried parents, bored kids, and inconvenienced party-goers. The local police will often be willing to stop by to talk about safety and field questions and/or concerns, and the chance to check out a police car will likely be the highlight of the party for the under age 10 crowd.

Step 5: Wear name tags, and write your street address.

The whole point of the block party is getting to know your neighbors and a name tag greatly helps this process. Knowing an address does, too. Even if neighbors don't have a long conversation, seeing a name to attach to a face goes a long way toward establishing a friendlier neighborhood feeling.

Step 6: Set out a list for e-mail addresses.

And phone numbers, too, if you like. This email list can be helpful for future block parties, whether they are annual, seasonal, or on an infrequent basis. The list is also a good method to communicate about neighborhood issues or a less intimidating approach method.

Step 7: Be flexible, and have fun.

The most important element of any block party is mingling and the opportunity for neighbors to talk. So don't set a strict timeline of events or expectation of what people should do. Maybe neighbors won't start having weekly dinners, but a block party will nurture at least a small feeling of camaraderie.

Block parties don't have to be a thing of the past. Just follow these steps to planning and implementing a successful block party.