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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.
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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:
  • Welcome all of our new neighbors to Wilton, as well as connect with those we’ve known for longer 

  • Increase a sense of belonging in the community

  • Get outside, make friends and have fun - no excuses are needed to celebrate

  • Find neighborhood playmates for your children 

  • Opportunity for face-to-face connection and conversation

  • Meet some of the long standing neighbors and learn about your community history

  • Decrease stress of snow days, storms and emergency situations

  • Create a neighborhood contact list

How to have a block party? Be a Block Party Captain! Here are some helpful tips:
  • Keep it simple and low-key (try not to go overboard, it can make people feel the event is too much work).

  • Recruit another neighbor or 2 to help.

  • Decide on a location (road, common space, or yard).

  • Decide what day and time works best for your neighborhood.

  • Decide on the type of event - picnic, barbecue, potluck, etc.

  • Establish block boundaries (use natural neighborhood boundaries where possible) to include approximately 20-30 houses. Remember those on adjacent busier roads.

  • Have a child create the flyer to put in mailboxes.

  • Distribute the flyer in all invited mailboxes — children love to do this task!

  • Remember, keep it simple. Think old-fashioned block parties. 

  • Finally, be sure to follow any state and CDC guidelines.

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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:
  • Share some of the reasons to have a block party (see above).

  • Solicit opinions on how to handle the food.

  • Suggest possible dates and times to have the event.  

  • Use the flyer to encourage attendance.

  • 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:
  • Signage for oncoming cars 

  • Name tags (consider including name, address, how long you’ve lived here)

  • Sign in sheet (names, kids’ ages, address, phone number, email address and if your child babysits)

  • Bug spray and/or citronella candles

  • First aid kit

  • Music player

  • Garbage bags and recycle bin

  • Plates, napkins, plastic/silverware, cups

  • Paper towels/wet wipes for cleanup

  • Coolers or beverage containers w/ plenty of ice — don’t forget a bottle opener

  • Community table(s) for food/drinks and tablecloth(s)

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer or wipes

  • Outdoor games - i.e. Cornhole, Giant Jenga, sack races, egg toss

  • Flashlights, headlamps or glow necklaces for children after dark

  • Consider hiring a lifeguard, if children will be near a pool

  • Playpen for infants​

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