
block party
WYC's Big Block Party Weekend is an initiative aimed at connecting neighbors for face-to-face interaction and creating more opportunity for children's free play.
6th Annual
June 7 - 8, 2024
Let's introduce our new neighbors to our Wilton spirit and get those kids playing outside. We are so grateful to be able to gather again. Remember: KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Building community one block at a time.


In an effort to bring Wilton families together, WYC has helped neighbors all over town to organize old-fashioned block parties during Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekends.
There is no better time to get out and meet your neighbors!
Why have a block party? The benefits are endless! Here are the top reasons:
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Welcome all of our new neighbors to Wilton, as well as connect with those we’ve known for longer
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Increase a sense of belonging in the community
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Get outside, make friends and have fun - no excuses are needed to celebrate
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Find neighborhood playmates for your children
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Opportunity for face-to-face connection and conversation
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Meet some of the long standing neighbors and learn about your community history
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Decrease stress of snow days, storms and emergency situations
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Create a neighborhood contact list
How to have a block party? Be a Block Party Captain! Here are some helpful tips:
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Keep it simple and low-key (try not to go overboard, it can make people feel the event is too much work).
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Recruit another neighbor or 2 to help.
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Decide on a location (road, common space, or yard).
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Decide what day and time works best for your neighborhood.
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Decide on the type of event - picnic, barbecue, potluck, etc.
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Establish block boundaries (use natural neighborhood boundaries where possible) to include approximately 20-30 houses. Remember those on adjacent busier roads.
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Have a child create the flyer to put in mailboxes.
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Distribute the flyer in all invited mailboxes — children love to do this task!
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Remember, keep it simple. Think old-fashioned block parties.
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Finally, be sure to follow any state and CDC guidelines.


We suggest making a flyer to put in 20-30 mailboxes of neighbors (especially helpful f you don’t know your neighbors) Tips for your flyer:
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Share some of the reasons to have a block party (see above).
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Solicit opinions on how to handle the food.
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Suggest possible dates and times to have the event.
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Use the flyer to encourage attendance.
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Include your contact information so your neighbors can email or call you if they would like to help. Most participating neighborhoods have had 2 or 3 residents offer to help.
Note Regarding Road Closures:
Wilton Police discourage residents from officially closing their roads - emergency vehicles need to be able to pass. Permits for road closures will only be considered for dead end roads. To obtain such a permit, signatures are required from all residents, plus various town departments. Instead, some neighborhoods have decided to have their block party in someone's yard, at the end of a driveway, or on the side of their road without obstructing traffic. Experienced block party planners suggest using a combination of balloons, signs that read "Caution Block Party in Progress," and orange cones to alert drivers to the party in progress.
Block Party Survival Checklist:
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Signage for oncoming cars
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Name tags (consider including name, address, how long you’ve lived here)
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Sign in sheet (names, kids’ ages, address, phone number, email address and if your child babysits)
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Bug spray and/or citronella candles
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First aid kit
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Music player
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Garbage bags and recycle bin
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Plates, napkins, plastic/silverware, cups
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Paper towels/wet wipes for cleanup
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Coolers or beverage containers w/ plenty of ice — don’t forget a bottle opener
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Community table(s) for food/drinks and tablecloth(s)
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Sunscreen
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Hand sanitizer or wipes
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Outdoor games - i.e. Cornhole, Giant Jenga, sack races, egg toss
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Flashlights, headlamps or glow necklaces for children after dark
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Consider hiring a lifeguard, if children will be near a pool
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Playpen for infants​


Block Party Weekend News:
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Wilton Youth Council Organizes Return of Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend
Good Morning Wilton
​
Get Ready for Wilton’s 2nd Annual Big Block Party Weekend
Good Morning Wilton
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Another block party weekend planned
Wilton Bulletin
It’s a Party, Come on By! Take Part in Wilton’s Next Big Block Party Weekend
Good Morning Wilton