For the month of June, the City of Lacombe will be promoting neighbourhoods to get together to plan and host their own block parties however they want. Sonya Beauclair said the month-long promotion is a good excuse to have some fun.
“Who doesn’t want to have a giant barbecue?”
To help residents host a successful party, the City of Lacombe has posted a fool–proof guide to block party planning on its web site. The guide includes everything necessary to have a successful party such as forms for road closures, check lists and even ideas for party games and activities.
Beauclair said the block parties are a great way for residents to get to know their neighbours. It also builds stronger, friendlier communities, she said.
“It’s nice to know your neighbours and be able to say ‘Hi’ and chat on the street.”
She added that block parties can help build safer communities as well.
The more people know their neighbours and what goes on in their neighbourhood, the more likely they are to spot something that is out of place, she said.
There some extra incentives to host a block party this year as well. Central Alberta Co-Op will be having a block party pack prize draw for 40 buns, 40 burgers and a condiments pack to help winners put on their next block party. Beauclair said the draw will be held at the end of June. Entries can be made at the Lacombe Farmer’s Market at City Hall or via email to Beauclair.
While the City promotes June as block party month, neighbourhoods are not limited to hosting get-togethers at this time. As long as the proper permits are obtained, block parties can actually be held any time of year, said Beauclair.
Anyone hosting a block party is encouraged to send feedback to the City of Lacombe about the event.
Photos are also more than welcome.
Copies of the block party planning guide can be found online or received via an email request to Beauclair. Hard copies of the guide can be picked up at City Hall.
For more information about block party month, visit the City of Lacombe web site at www.lacombe.ca or email Sonya Beauclair at sbeauclair@lacombe.ca.