The Ward Aldermen along with the At-Large BOA representatives are kicking off the 2018 Block Party Challenge. Residents can contact their ward alderman or Stephanie Hirsch (stephanie@stephaniehirsch.org) for more information.  Their  goal this year is to increase the number of block parties held throughout the city. Block parties are easy to organize and a great way to build community.

More about the effort and FAQs on organizing block parties are below and here: http://www.somervilletogether.com/blockpartychallenge

BLOCK PARTY CHALLENGE 2018 FAQs

What’s the Block Party Challenge? Our goal is to have as many block parties as possible throughout the community! Why are block parties so great for our community? Getting to know your neighbor has many benefits: It’s fun to be friends with people who live within shouting distance. No need to travel across town to find someone to share a chat, playdate, or evening glass of wine – just lean out the window to invite them over. Also, when you know your neighbors, you can talk together about what drives you crazy or dream up ideas for improving your neighborhood. Finally, if people better understand their neighbors’ concerns, it’ll be easier to make the hard decisions together as a community.

What is our goal? We had 44 block parties in the spring/summer/fall of 2017, and this year we hope to top 100!

What are the prizes? The prize is…. Having a stronger/more fun community! J And if that sounds too intangible, note that we’ll give out awards for the ward with the biggest increase in block parties, the most block parties, for the smallest block party (two people on lawn chairs with a bag of chips!), the biggest block party, the craziest entertainment, and anything else we can dream up. The At-Large BOA representatives, who are sponsoring this challenge with our ward aldermen colleagues, will shovel some sidewalks for the winning ward. Also, if Ward 2 has the most block parties this summer, I (Stephanie) have agreed to dye my hair whatever color Alderman JT Scott chooses!

What’s the first step in planning a block party? Find a neighbor or roommate who wants to co-host (or host on your own!) If you are worried no one will come, let me know, and I’ll plan to join you to keep you company. You will need to pick a date and a rain date for the application.

How do I get permission from the City to close a block? Once you have a date, submit a Public Event License application from the City to block the street. There’s no charge for the license. You’ll find the application on the city’s website, at http://www.somervillema.gov/citizenserve. Click on the CitizenServe logo, then “Learn More About Licensing.” Look for the “Submittal Requirements” for Public Events and follow the instructions carefully. Contact the City Clerk’s Office if you have any questions (617) 625-6600  ext 4100, jlong@somervillema.gov. You will receive a permit in the mail. Don’t be intimidated by the application – it’s the same one used for much more complicated permits, but virtually all block parties get approved.

How do I answer these questions: “Does this event include alcohol service?” “Will food be served?” For a typical block party, attendees may serve food potluck-style without a license, as long as common sense is used with respect to food safety (don’t leave perishables out more than two hours, make sure meat is thoroughly cooked, etc.). Attendees may drink alcohol on private property, like front steps and driveways. Be sure to specific in your application that food will be potluck and alcohol will only be consumed on private property (yards and driveways) – you will NOT be selling food or alcohol.

How do I involve neighbors? Drop off a simple flier for neighbors at each house (federal law prohibits putting fliers in mailboxes, but you can put them in each door.) Hang up fliers around the neighborhood. Call and email. Going door-to-door with the invitations adds a personal touch that will help you get more people interested in volunteering for and attending the event. Keep the invitation simple, and remember to include contact names and phone numbers. Distribute a short reminder notice one week before the block party to confirm to everyone that it’s still happening.

Who should be invited? It’s up to you! Invite just your block, neighboring blocks, the whole neighborhood, or the whole city! We can help advertise it if you let us know the date.

What happens on the day of? The Department of Public Works will drop off a “street closed” barrier on the day of your event. If for some reason they don’t happen drop off the barriers, block your street off with your own lawn chairs, as long as you have the permit. You will need to let cars go in and out of their driveways, of course, so will need to move the barriers at certain points (place your tables, etc. strategically therefore).

What other suggestions do you have? If you want to start small/manageable, block off the smallest section of the street that still works for your gathering. This allows you to inconvenience the fewest people, and thus makes it less stressful to have the “perfect” party.

How about food? As mentioned above, have the block party as a potluck so you can get a permit easily. The hosts can bring plates, napkins, forks, and a folding table. Ask a neighbor to roll out a grill. A good line for an invitation is: “Bring food to grill for your family and a dish to share.” If you want to be more ambitious, you could hold something like a chili cook-off or a cookie contest, and having kids award prizes to their favorites, but you can always try that in a future year once you graduate to “advanced” block partying!

How about activities? Some established block parties do cool things, like bouncy houses or a clown. However, even just sitting in a circle with lawn chairs is perfect. Kids love being able to actually ride their bike or scoot on the block, and may go in and out of houses. I always bring out some toys from my house and put them on a blanket for the younger kids.

Can I hold a block party in a park instead? Some blocks may not work for block parties. You can also have a party in a park! This doesn’t require permit, as long as the public is still welcome to use the park. You can contact the head of Recreation to let her know you are having a get-together: Jill Lathan, jlathan@somervillema.gov. You cannot, however, grill or have alcohol in a public park without a special (and fairly complicated to secure) permit.

More questions? Contact the City Clerk for more information (617) 625-6600  ext 4100,jlong@somervillema.gov), your ward alderman, or Stephanie Hirsch (617-512-4847,stephanie@stephaniehirsch.org)

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, AND SEE YOU AROUND THE GRILL!