Every summer some neighborhoods block off their street to provide an opportunity to get to know each other better and have a good time. This celebration can include anything from a potluck supper to an elegant sit down candlelit dinner. Most are holiday oriented, celebrating Memorial Day, Independence Day, or National Night Out. Some consist of a theme such as the ones previously mentioned. Here’s how to go about planning your neighborhood block party.

• Create a planning committee (as well as subcommittees in charge of food, activities, clean-up, publicity and decorations.)
• Set up a meeting to discuss theme ideas, dates, food, entertainment and costs.
• Call the local police department to get permission to block off the street during the party.
• Create appealing flyers announcing the date and details of the party – hand deliver to your neighbors.
• Create ice breakers to help get neighbors to mingle.
• Have a cookie baking contest or a hat contest and give prizes for the top three winners.
• Have a host or moderator of your event.
• Pipe in music.
• Announceany items important to the association or the neighborhood.
• Allow anywhere from 8 weeks to 3 months to plan the event.

Other Ideas…

Plan a kick-off parade – Invite the neighborhood kids to proudly present their bikes and wagons decorated with streamers, balloons, bows and ribbons.

Show off the pets – Have a parade or a Best of Show. Have prizes for the Happiest Dog, Funniest Fish, Shyest Cat and so on.

Record the event – Have someone take photos or provide disposable cameras for everyone to use. Afterwards, have prints made of the best shots and send them to your guests in theme frames.

more info and great ideas HERE