How to Throw the Best Summer Block Party
By Ryan Walsh
The summer block party.
It is a warm July evening in the neighborhood, and everyone is there. The smell of charcoal fills the air and burgers and hot dogs sizzle on the grill. Friends and neighbors gather around and talk, create memories and watch their kids play. It is quintessential summer, and it does not get much better than this.
Throwing the ultimate block party this summer can be both simple and affordable. With the help of a few neighbors, some creative activities and good food and drink, the next Greater Gainesville block party can be hosted by anyone.
Gainesville local, nurse, mom of two and block party aficionado Paige McNeill knows a thing or two about how to put on a block party showstopper. She has advice for anyone looking to get a new summer tradition started in their community.
Get the Word Out
Who is going to come if they do not know about it? Getting the community involved is step one.
“Talk with your neighbors about their interest levels,” McNeill said. “Start a text chain, put up fliers in common areas.”
Basically, get some buy-in. The more who contribute, the bigger the party.
“Make sure to choose a date that works for the majority. Create a SignUpGenius or Google Form with suggestions of items to bring, or for a day-after cleanup crew,” McNeill said.
Of course, it is also important to check with local HOA and neighborhood ordinances to ensure any required permits are secured prior to the event.
As they say – the more, the merrier.
How to Make it Great
The neighbors are aware and – good news – they are in. But how to go about making it special?
Do not overcomplicate it. Start with the essentials.
“Food, drinks, activities, shade, chairs and music,” McNeill said.
It is Florida in the summer. Little extras like shaded areas can go a long way for folks looking to escape the heat. An evening or night-time block party can also alleviate these concerns, so long as the area is still adequately lit.
According to McNeill, the activities are what really kick these parties up a notch.
“Go in as a group to hire a DJ who can lead the kids in dances,” she said. “Also, tell everyone to bring outdoor games like hula-hoops, corn hole, footballs, frisbees and more.”
McNeill also recommends organizing a grand activity, such as a family Olympics. At a party she previously hosted, McNeill fashioned and presented medals to winners of such events as izzy-dizzy, carry-your-kids, sack races and egg relays.
Avoiding Mistakes
Sometimes great fun requires a little careful planning.
Avoiding pitfalls in planning a block party is crucial to ensuring its success. McNeill offers three crucial, but perhaps not-so-obvious ones.
“Not having a rain plan, not having enough trash cans and running out of ice,” she said.
Anyone who has spent a summer in Florida knows well that rain is always to be expected. Cheap ponchos, umbrellas and tents or covers to hide under will keep people and food dry during those brief summer showers.
Otherwise, keeping the street clean by having plenty of garbage cans and recycling bins is just being a good neighbor. Finally, ice. Does anyone really need to say more?
The Most Important Things to Remember
“Block parties bring people together for a common purpose. They allow time for people to get to know each other. It teaches the kiddos an important lesson on helping set up and clean up during fun time,” McNeill said.
Most importantly, enjoy. When all the setup is done and planning is finished, the only thing left to do is party.
