Block Parties

I just found out we're having a block party late August. Ive never had one before so I need help!

Do we bring our BBQ in the street? What things were a hit at block parties you've been to? Any tips?

We just moved in this week, so the house won't be 100% ready, and we don't have party things yet, but we still want to have a party.

Re: Block Parties

Never had one but been to plenty. There's 2 kinds I've been to:

1: The kind that every house cooks for themselves or

2: The kind that every one contributes a dish and it's set up along a huge buffet table for everyone to share.

Number 2 is what my family is used to. We'd go to my parents' friends' every year. They usually asked for $10 a person or something like that in advance. That would cover burgers/dogs/pig roast, beer, soda, dj and kids activities.

I would contact the house that is organizing the party and get the details from them. I'd keep the bbq on your driveway/front lawn and bring some tables and chairs into the street.

Re: Block Parties

Thanks. The person organizing came to us yesterday for us to sign something saying we will participate, but she wasn't sure of $ yet.

Can't wait!

Re: Block Parties

Well at our old house they used to do block parties every year. They came around and asked for a specific amount per house - and everyone was expected to participate.

People set up their parties on their driveways or front lawns. Each person cooked their own food for their own guests.

Then they have various activities each year - one year they had pony rides and a petting farm, and a little ride for the older children (in a truck).

Other years they had several bouncers.

They always had a DJ.

They would sometimes set up games (water balloon toss, or musical chairs) for the kids.

They sometimes had popcorn machines or cotton candy.

We had a lot of families on the block so there could easily be 50-70 children.

Everyone invited several friends and family so most people had large parties going on.

Re: Block Parties

I would let the person organizing it that this is your first time ever participating. She will let you know what you need to do. So many people do it differently so I would want to be prepared.

Re: Block Parties

On my block they charge every house $75 which doesnt include food. (There is also a 50/50 every year in which half goes to the block party for the next year.) Every house cooks their own food. A lot of our friends have little kids and they say that we have a really good block party. There is a DJ, bouncy house, face painting, cotton candy machine, and contests.