10 Block Party Survival Tips


Every year during the summer many neighborhoods have block parties.  They are a great activity for new families to meet, for neighbors to bond and to meet new friends while enjoying the older friendships.  All this is usually enjoyed around food and beverages!  If you're planning a block party, you'll want to keep a few key things in mind.

First, select the right spot.  If you live in a cul-de-sac you can easily set up there usually without too much hastle if you're blocking off your street and it's a through street – give yourself enough time.  A street closure permit can take 5-6 weeks.  Local parks are a good idea too – you just need to make sure you don't need a permit or to pay a fee for your event.

Secondly, decide on the date.  Poll your neighbors and let the best date win!

Third, select a theme.   Find something that you can use to tie it in.  If you want – it's a fun way to mix in activities.  You can make it a sports theme so everything from food to festivities is related to that theme – or you can go on something else that maybe the kids vote on!

Four, set the budget and family contributions.  This is always tricky.  Is your street big enough for a committee?  If so, set it up.  If not, figure out a plan and stick to it.  Our street has the two newest families on the street through the party.  They are required to do everything – it basically forces them to meet everyone really fast!  The budget is set by the "committee" and will cover all necessities like plates, utensils, napkins, food wraps and bags as well as condiments like ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper.

Five, create the invitations.  Find someone creative on the street to be in charge of designing, and delivering party flyers. Makes sure to keep track of the RSVPs.

Six, determine who will be the cooks.  Get one or two people to volunteer to do the cooking.  Light the grills in advance for anyone who might be bringing things like ribs since they take the longest to cook.  Hot dogs and burgers can be grilled last since they're quickest.

Seven, find a Cocktail Master.  This person gets the fun job of arranging coolers packed with ice and bottled water, leaving room for other beverages neighbors bring along.
Seven, getting ready for the event -- the set up.  Make sure you arrange the tables and chairs before the event and puts savory sides and sweet desserts on separate tables as neighbors arrive.

Eight, get someone to commit to being an activity coordinator.  This is important if you have lots of kids.  You don't want them running around crazy all night long, so see if you can figure out ways for them to play "flashlight tag", get glow sticks, do face painting.  There are many activities that are fun and inexpensive that can be done.  Another great thing is rent an big Bounce House.  These provide hours of entertainment for the kids, only cost about $10.00 per family and send the kids home nice and tired!

Nine is probably the most important tip of all – set the cleanup crew!  Rally volunteers to clean up after the bash, provides important tools, including brooms and trash bags.
 
Ten - Remember to have fun!  Meet as many people as you can and enjoy yourself.  If you don't have to drive home you can have even more fun!

Resources:

If you think you need more tips and advance, you can visit mealstogether.com  which offers  more block party planning tips, outdoor game ideas and cookout recipes, and a free Block Party Starter Kit.


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