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A start-to-finish guide to throwing a laid-back block party, based on advice from Arnold in Chicago
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Signing UpStep 1Decide you want to throw a block party with your neighbors
Maybe you've just moved to your block, or maybe you've lived there for several years but still don't know most of your neighbors. Deciding to organize a party in the street with your neighbors is a great way to help create community on your block. Not only will you get to know the people who help you organize the party, but you'll get to know everyone who decides to attend.
Even a relatively laid-back block party needs planning. Arnold in Chicago helped organize a block party that 75 people on his block attended, free of charge. He suggests starting to plan your party about three months before you want to host it. He also recommends gathering the following, for maximum enjoyment at minimum cost:
-- a group of five to seven dedicated volunteers;
-- a city permit (necessary in some communities, and usually free; check with your local representative)
-- free food and soft drinks, provided by billing your party as a potluck
-- tables to hold the food and drinks;
-- a keg or two, and lots of ice;
-- some signage, for before and during the party;
-- ice cream, preferably donated from a local creamery or provided at a discount (Ice cream probably isn't necessary, but come on, who doesn't like ice cream?)
Even a relatively laid-back block party needs planning. Arnold in Chicago helped organize a block party that 75 people on his block attended, free of charge. He suggests starting to plan your party about three months before you want to host it. He also recommends gathering the following, for maximum enjoyment at minimum cost:
-- a group of five to seven dedicated volunteers;
-- a city permit (necessary in some communities, and usually free; check with your local representative)
-- free food and soft drinks, provided by billing your party as a potluck
-- tables to hold the food and drinks;
-- a keg or two, and lots of ice;
-- some signage, for before and during the party;
-- ice cream, preferably donated from a local creamery or provided at a discount (Ice cream probably isn't necessary, but come on, who doesn't like ice cream?)
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It’s a pretty cool website that allows you to post your party on a map, and it automatically alerts all of your facebook friends with the party's info-right on their wall.