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Where's the Party?
Want to block off the street? You'll need a permit, so get on that right away.
You can also rent a large hall or picnic site.
What to Plan For
Food. Pre-assigned potluck, random dishes, or both? Maybe you collect funds for burgers and dogs, and guests sign up to bring side dishes, desserts, and drinks.
Decorations. Keep it simple: balloons, streamers, flags, banners, strings of lights, etc.
Hardware. Everything for seating, eating, and cooking. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold: foil roasting pans filled with ice can chill bowls of salads, and slow cookers work great for baked beans and corn on the cob. Plan for trash and recycling.
Cooking. Man the grills on a rotating schedule so one person doesn't get stuck in front of the fire all day.
Ice. You'll need lots of it and coolers to keep it in. Keep cooling ice separate from drinking ice.
Alcohol. Check if it's legal to serve it and if you need a permit. Make sure no underage drinking is allowed.
Other Details
Theme Party. Optional but fun: Salsa Night, Hawaiian Luau, Summer Carnival, etc. Or build your party around a project like planting trees or digging a community garden.
Entertainment. Hook up a sound system, organize a house band, or hire a band. Have a talent show, hula-hoop contest, face painting, bike and trike parade, water balloon toss, etc. Set up a display of crafts or hobbies--you might discover a knitting buddy or prize-winning gardener.
Who's Who. Family-themed name tags help group guests at a glance: Oh, so you're Joey's dad!
Everyone's In. Help elderly neighbors, shut-ins, and people with limited mobility to join in because block parties should be all-inclusive.
Restrooms. Everyone uses the ones in their own homes.
Washout. Have an alternate date ready if it rains.