Create Your Own Community Spirit with a Block Party

These days, as more individual's time is consumed with video games, computers, high definition TV and other forms of inside entertainment, very few people are familiar with their neighbors. If you, like many other sanguine personality types and hospitable hosts, have noticed this rising trend, you may feel like it's time for a party. Well, here are a few hints that can help to organize a block party in your neighborhood and to promote the sense of community in your area.

As the goal of the block party is to get the community involved, it's helpful if more than one person works on the planning of the block party. Not just because there's a substantial amount of work involved, but this is a great way to be on more familiar terms with your neighbors. There are a few important details that need to be worked out for the gathering. First, you need to get a permit if the party is going to be in a cul-de-sac in the neighborhood, as it's going to be blocked off from traffic. Not all neighborhoods have a cul-de-sac so an alternative is to base the block party in a home's driveway or a local park or school. A cul-de-sac is ideal, because this really gives the party a sense of being for the neighborhood itself. A block party isn't just a way for people to get to know each other, but to demonstrate pride in the neighborhood.

It's a good idea to schedule the party four to six weeks ahead of time. This will give you enough time to plan for the party and for attendees to reserve time in their schedule. It's suggested that the block party only last three or four hours; this way the bulk of people will come to the gathering at the same time. The goal is for people to meet each other.

The menu you create for this sociable gathering does not have to be anything which will require a large amount of effort on the part of any individual. When everyone gives just a little, the food can go a long way. Every family could contribute one dish in the style of a potluck or everyone could bring their own meats and vegetables for barbecues together in a common space. If you plan on doing a potluck, send a signup sheet around the neighborhood so that you won't have too many repeated dishes. If you're organizing the party for a particular cause, you may try to feature foods that will further knowledge of the cause.

There's always the question of money and this can be dealt with in several ways. Depending on the neighborhood, each invitee may contribute money to the block party committee for food, drinks, and other expenses. Sometimes, only the organizers foot the bill for the party. As a block party is often a pot luck, in which guests bring food or drinks, this can significantly cut down on the expenses for the party so contributions won't be needed.

Like any large party, you're going to need long tables for food and drinks, as well as seating for people who may want to sit. Some other costs might be decorations, a musical act or other entertainment, or a moon bounce for kids. Generally, block parties aren't overly expensive - especially when expenses are absorbed by a few people - but it is obviously an important consideration.