This summer, our neighbourhood came alive with the first-ever Wedgewoods Block Party, a fun day of tennis, live music, and good food. What started as a small idea to bring neighbours together quickly grew into a vibrant, all-ages celebration that reminded us of the power of community.
The planning began around a kitchen table with a few of us tossing around ideas. We knew we wanted to create something that appealed to everyone—kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike. Tennis was an obvious choice since so many residents use the community courts. We paired that with a potluck picnic to showcase the incredible culinary talents hidden in our neighbourhood, and rounded out the evening with a live band to get people dancing.
Of course, no event comes without its challenges. The first hurdle was scheduling—finding a date that worked for the courts, the band, and the majority of neighbours. A simple online poll helped narrow things down, and we discovered that being flexible was key. Another challenge was making sure everyone felt included. Some residents don’t play tennis, so we set up kid-friendly games and seating nearby, creating space for those who preferred to cheer rather than compete. The weather was also a concern, but we secured a couple of large tents just in case the skies opened up.
One of the highlights of the planning process was discovering how many people were willing to step up and contribute. Neighbours even provided extra rackets for newcomers. Families signed up to bring everything from salads to homemade pies, and our local band got everyone dancing.
On the day of the event, everything came together seamlessly. Kids rode bikes down to the courts, parents cheered from the sidelines with picnic plates in hand, and grandparents joined the crowd around the band as the sun went down. The block party had the rare magic of making our big neighbourhood feel small and connected.
Looking back, we learned a few important lessons. First, don’t underestimate the value of simple ideas—tennis, food, and music were enough to bring everyone together. Second, communication is everything. Our group emails, flyers, and a shared sign-up sheet kept people engaged and excited. Finally, we learned that the real success of the event wasn’t in how perfectly it was planned, but in the laughter, conversations, and friendships that came out of it.
The Wedgewoods Block Party wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder that when neighbours gather, community grows stronger. And judging by the number of people already asking about “next year,” this is only the beginning of a new tradition.
