My 12-year-old and I organized a neighbourhood party. The theme was “Welcome Summer! Ice Cream Party”. Our goal was to re-connect with members of our Block Watch area and to meet some of the new neighbours to our street (especially those with kids). The invitation was open to anyone who lived in the neighbourhood. On top of sending out invitations by email, we also put a poster up on our book exchange box and at the local park.
We handed out ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, lemonade and water. We set up a canopy, and chairs for anyone who wanted to sit. For kids, we had chalk and a big box of Duplo. The VPD Block Watch office also gave us lots of fun items to hand out, including beach balls, frisbees, coloring pages, and some cool cups that turn blue.
I think the party was a success! Including our family, about 40 people attended. Almost half of those were kids. We met 4 families who were new to our street, two of whom asked to join our Block Watch list. And we discovered that ice cream can help to overcome language barriers.
Unfortunately, we were so busy chatting during the party that I didn’t remember to take photos, so I have sent a picture of the aftermath – chalk on the sidewalk, empty lemonade pitchers, picked through Block Watch brochures and swag.
