Summer is here and with that comes BBQ’s, trips to the beach and spending time with family and friends. But if you’re new to your community, or maybe have new people that have moved into your neighbourhood, a summer block party could be just the thing to help you meet your neighbours or get reacquainted.
To make hosting a party easier, the City of Chestermere offers block party kits to residents of Chestermere and southeast Rocky View County. The kits include everything you need to plan, invite and hold the party including an invitation template, kids’ games, disposable cups and plates, a gift certificate for food and much more.
Here are the Top 10 reasons to host a block party:
1. To get to know your neighbours and welcome new ones.
2. To celebrate your community.
3. To increase your sense of belonging to the community.
4. To encourage a sense of pride in your neighbourhood.
5. To make new friends.
6. To learn about one another’s backgrounds, heritage and cultures.
7. To start a neighbourhood tradition.
8. To learn about the history of your community.
9. To network and build new community groups or sports teams.
10. To have some fun.
Beth-Anna Van Dellen, the City of Chestermere’s Community Outreach Worker, says some Saturday dates are still up for grabs in August and September for those who want to borrow the barbecue. Bookings are still widely available for Fridays and Sundays. Many dates are also available if you want to book a block party without using the City’s large barbecue.
“This is an amazing program, which builds a real sense of connection and community, as neighbours get to know and care for one another,” Van Dellen said. “It develops resilience, interdependence, and a sense of abundant community.”
In urban areas, opportunities such as block parties can do a great deal in reducing isolation, reliance on social services, and even crime.
So far this year, 21 block parties have been booked for neighbourhoods across Chestermere, with an expected attendance of more than 800 people.
To book a block party, or for more information on block parties scheduled for 2015, call Beth-Anna Van Dellen, the City of Chestermere’s Community Outreach Worker, at 403-207-7047, or email her at bvandellen@chestermere.ca.
