On July 7, 2024, we hosted our first-ever community block party, an event designed to bring neighbors together in light of our recent land assembly. Although we had fewer attendees than expected, with around 150 people joining us on the day, the event was still a success, fostering meaningful connections between those who came. The extreme heat played a significant role in the lower turnout, but for those who braved the high temperatures, the day was filled with fun and camaraderie.
The heat was a challenge, but our community came together to overcome it. Neighbors set up pop-up tents to provide much-needed shade, and we arranged sprinklers to keep everyone cool, especially the kids, who enjoyed running through them. We had prepared hotdogs for everyone and encouraged a potluck, which added a variety of dishes for everyone to share. While the heat dampened some of the festive energy we had hoped for, it didn’t stop people from enjoying the event.
One of the highlights of the block party was a stellar live performance by a neighbor’s band. Their set was more like a concert, filling the air with music and providing a great backdrop for the day. The music helped lift spirits and added energy to the gathering, creating a relaxed but lively atmosphere.
We also hosted a series of games that were a hit with both kids and adults. Classic activities like the egg-on-a-spoon race, water balloon toss, and the three-legged race had everyone participating and laughing. These games brought out a sense of friendly competition and fun, making the day even more enjoyable for everyone involved. Prizes for the games were generously donated by local businesses, which was a great way to get the community involved.
In addition to the games and music, we had a tattoo station for the kids and a “fishing hole” where they could win Whitespot coins and balloons. Our realtors from the assembly sponsored non-alcoholic drinks, which were essential given the scorching weather.
Despite the challenges of the heat, this event was a valuable learning experience. We realized how much our community values opportunities to connect, and we saw neighbors working together to help each other stay cool and enjoy the day. While the intense heat affected the overall vibe, the event still accomplished its main goal of fostering community connections.
We are grateful for the grant that helped make this block party possible. It brought neighbors together in a way we hadn’t experienced before, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, learning from this year to improve and grow for next year’s event.
