tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post5707200851284175934..comments2024-03-01T02:13:02.263-06:00Comments on Thanks, Mail Carrier: The Elusive Block PartyXeniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10654183306958862537noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post-36297171752075495162011-07-14T21:20:49.392-05:002011-07-14T21:20:49.392-05:00It all really comes down to inviting families that...It all really comes down to inviting families that enjoy each others company who agree on the food, music and activities. Accept the fact that not everyone is going to want to come, and try not to be too annoying to them (ie, loud music late into the night, or blocking off the street so they can't come and go at will.) Maybe doing it as a fundraiser could be the excuse you need to have a party and get to know your neighbors better. Then you could have a little bake sale table or something, and the people who decline might just walk over to buy some baked goods and say hello. I'm with the woman above; I'm really shy and feel awkward with other people (yeah, boring). But I might feel ok about just buying a brownie for the cause.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post-82320852348537118382011-07-11T00:10:59.015-05:002011-07-11T00:10:59.015-05:00We're not that close with our neighbors but I ...We're not that close with our neighbors but I wish we were. My friend has block parties in their neighborhood all the time! They rent bounces and lots of food and music.<br /><br />Maybe you could start with contacting a few of your neighbors that you're closest with and go from there? I think that once everyone attend the first event they'll all want to help the next time!kailanihttp://islandlife808.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post-5308087411449088272011-07-10T23:44:23.993-05:002011-07-10T23:44:23.993-05:00I feel kinda bad cause I'm about to write some...I feel kinda bad cause I'm about to write something negative about block parties. Reading the first two comments I hate to join in the negative vibes. I'd truly like to live in a world where block parties are happy events that everyone wants to attend, and I really believe there can be happy block parties. But, not on my block. Thing is, the people living on a block are there by random happenstance, and the odds you're going to be friends is something less than 100%. Still, I think you should give it a shot and hope for the best. The grumpy people won't come. All the better.<br />Anywho, here's my experience. Eighteen years ago (I remember my son was two at the time - do you measure time that way?) we had a block party organized by a neighbor. They wanted $20 per family (three of us). At the time we had very little money and that was quite a steep price in our minds for what they planned: frozen hamburgers from the supermarket, hot dogs, generic chips and sodas...and all the beer you could drink. Our son wouldn't be eating much and I don't drink beer, my husband drank a little. We didn't think we'd consume $20 worth of food and drink. We suggested a potluck buffet at a lower cost. No one was interested in food. I think the party promoters just wanted an excuse to buy a keg. They all invited friends and family. It was agreed ahead of time guests didn't have to pay anything but could drink all they wanted. Each family set up tables and chairs in their own yards, and it ended up as a bunch of private parties in each yard. Most people felt uncomfortable venturing over to other yards. It was pretty weird. Lots of LOUD music (not to my taste). I don't remember any activities other than eating and drinking. My son road his rocking horse down the front steps because we were distracted and not watching. Oh the fun. The next year (and several years after) we were conveniently away for the day and missed the party. I offer this as how NOT to have a block party.<br />How about starting small by inviting your immediate neighbors to your yard for a simple party. Work on making friends with them. If it goes well, expand it next year. I think face to face invites might be the best way to gain everyone's trust and win them over. And make sure the food is good! Make it potluck, but you provide something extra special.<br />Even though we all seem negative about parties, I still think it's a good idea. Go for it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post-22742124033027495012011-07-10T20:30:04.353-05:002011-07-10T20:30:04.353-05:00I'm with Jenny, no block parties for me. I do...I'm with Jenny, no block parties for me. I do not know any neighbors really and do not wish to lol. We are such quiet people and rather be alone or with family and friends. Can you say boring?? And ye no flyers in mailboxes stick them in the doors or screen door handles!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043546193960902595.post-21550775714569757662011-07-10T00:19:13.103-05:002011-07-10T00:19:13.103-05:00We are very different on this topic. I am so not ...We are very different on this topic. I am so not the block party type. I don't want to know my neighbors at all really. LOL! I love our neighborhood, but don't want to hang out with the neighbors.<br /><br />Ok, if you want to plan a block party, do NOT put flyers in mailboxes. Apparently it's a federal offense or something to touch someone's mailbox! Seriously, my sister sells Avon and they were told never to put things on or in mailboxes.<br /><br />Yes, men really do talk about their grills. At least the men I know do. LOL!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342467790727259855noreply@blogger.com