A neighbourhood street or block party - A party with a difference

A block party is a fun way to build good relationships with neighbors. At a block party kids have fun, riding their bikes up and down the block, taking pony rides and playing ball games. It is therefore imperative that safety precautions are taken.

Planning your block party

1. Select 2 or 3 dates for the party. Select a theme and plan the dates around the theme
2. Start with the planning about 4-5 weeks before the potential dates
3. Determine if your neighbors are interested in a block party. Survey your neighbors to find out if they were interested and what date suits them best. You can do this by visiting each household, or by sending mail, or by phoning. Be sure to inform your neighbors that the costs will be shared
4. Now you are able to add up the "yes" and "no" responses. I suggest that if there are 70% "yes" responses, go ahead with the arrangements
5. Ascertain from the local authorities if a permit is required, and if so apply immediately
6. From the responses you will also be able to select a date that suits most of the neighbors. Send out invitations with date, time and other information
7. Depending on the size of the party you can delegate planning activities amongst the neighbors, or if there are going to be many guests, enlist a party vendor. Otherwise, you may want to set up a planning meeting well in advance if you are not going to use a party vendor
8. Plan the fun details like entertainment and games. You can use things neighbors already own like basketball hoops, street hockey or trampolines. You might want to hire entertainment, opt for fun things like clowns, magicians, other entertainers, pony rides, inflatable rides. They all add fun to the party
9. Get the total cost for the block sharing expense and see if the figure fits into everyone's budget. You may need to collect some money during the planning phase so that you don't get stuck with a big out of pocket expense
10. Plan the food
11. Rent a portable toilet
12. Arrange music, pre-recorded or DJ. You might want to plan a dancing area
13. The morning before:
    • Block off the streets
    • Arrange the chairs, tables and umbrellas
    • If you plan a barbeque, bring the barbeques
    • Don't forget coolers and ice
14. Few days before the party, confirm with your hired vendors

Take these precautions to make your block party safe:

1. Don't block off the street with garbage cans and rope or a car parked across the road
2. Have all neighbors remove their cars off the block. Park cars in garages or other safe spots. There is always a lot of activity at a block party and cars can be damaged
3. Block off the ends of the streets with visible traffic devices such as traffic cones and road blocks (construction barriers). Mark barriers with reflector tape
4. At the ends of the road place a clearly written "ROAD CLOSED" sign
5. Make sure that your signs are visible in the dark. Put some or other reflector/flashing lights or lamps. Be creative