Getting the Neighborhood Together
Some old traditions need very little updating. The neighborhood picnic, cook out, or block party falls into that category -- a fun event that brings people together. Summer is the obvious time to do this, but you’ll enjoy the dividends throughout the year.
This type of event needs some organization, but much of the work can be shared. It does need either one person or a small group to keep the momentum going. That could be you, or you plus a neighbor.
First, decide how you’re going to define neighborhood or block. It can be literally your street, or, if you live in an apartment complex, it could be some variation of that. If you live in a sparsely populated area, you might want to broaden your boundaries.
Next, poll some of your neighbors to see what date works. For example, holiday weekends work well in some areas, but not in others. And don’t forget to include a rain date.
Third, decide where the event will be held: a backyard, a courtyard, a public park, a closed-off street. If the latter, find out if you need any special permits.
Now decide your menu and cost structure. Some groups ask for a donation from each family to cover the costs of, say, hamburgers and hot dogs and paper goods. Then each family brings an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share. (Decide whether categories will be assigned, or whether people will just bring what they like.) Most common is for families to provide their own drinks.
Of course, you can do this any way that works for your neighborhood. Just think it through beforehand, and keep your format simple and welcoming. Remember that the goal is for neighbors to enjoy each other’s company.
Will you have entertainment? If you are ambitious, music is always a good idea, but if you are just starting out, adults will mostly be happy to mingle and socialize. Kids, however, do better when activities are planned. These can be as simple as providing balls or sidewalk chalk. And don’t forget the old standbys -- three-legged races, relay races, marshmallow toss (having kids throw marshmallows into their parents’ mouths.) One fun event is a Mom race: Blindfold the moms, and have them all stand together on one side of the area. On the other side, have the kids yell, “Mom, Mom,” and see which mother can identify and follow her child’s voice and reach him first.
In organizing games and activities, don’t forget the teenagers. They can be enlisted to run children’s activities, or they can be given an area of their own (get them to join in the planning!) Make sure to have enough paper goods, trash cans and, if necessary, chairs and tables, and barbeque supplies. Give someone or some group responsibility for clean up.
Now you’re ready to invite the neighborhood. Put flyers in mailboxes and knock on doors. Making personal contact with your neighbors ahead of time is part of what this is all about.
When the day arrives, take a deep breath. Keep the details in mind, but be ready to enjoy the flow of events. And make notes about how to do it even better next year.