Planning a block party seemed like a perfect way to gather our community over the summer, but the hardest part was finding a time when most people were around! We’ve got an adventurous neighbourhood, it seems, so we settled on the second week of September, when folks have settled into a fall routine, and crossed our fingers for warm weather.
I created posters and went on a walk with a neighbour and our dogs to drop them off at everyone’s houses on our block, taking a moment here and there to chat with the people we were seeing.
A few weeks later, we put out a market tent, a bunch of delicious goodies, and some balloons on my front driveway, with welcome signs, a map of the neighbourhood, and an email sign-up for people who were interested in being involved in more community projects.
We didn’t have a HUGE turnout, but we got maybe 25 people, of different ages and backgrounds, and it was so nice to meet them, connect, and see new connections being made. Some people had just moved to the valley, and some have been in the same house for 25 years, some are retired, and some have little kids.
We talked about gardening, tree care in the neighbourhood, and more. People were so grateful and excited, and more than one said, “I can’t believe I never thought of doing this before!”
My hope is that next year, we will get an even bigger crowd and slowly build it up as more people hear about it and come along. Our block is very long, and we had a smattering of guests from throughout, so if they each talk to their direct neighbours, maybe it’ll double each year!
Since the party, I’ve noticed more “hellos” as I walk around with the dogs, and more goodwill on our block. We’ve been texting with more neighbours about things like lost cats, spare green bin space, and a possible holiday gathering!
I’m so glad we did this, and I look forward to many more!
