Here is a loose, tentative schedule for the block party. Feel free to do any activities you like. We have scheduled some activities so everyone has a good time and we get to know one another as neighbors. Feel free to invite your friends and family over for a BBQ in your own yard. They are welcome to participate in the activities. For more info/concerns contact: beckanstee@gmail.com, 773.472.3951 (4241)
Thurs, July 2, 2009
- Hang up "NO PARKING" sign on street
- Sawhorse barricades to be delivered at corners. (alleys will remain opened to public)
Sat. July 4, 2009
9-10am
- move cars
- Set up Barricades
- set up free donated coffee (hopefully)
- Kids decorate bikes, pet owners dress up pets
- Drag patio sets, BBQ grills and all persona lounging items to the front of your house
10AM
*OFFICIAL Start of Block Party*
- Bike parade around the block to kick off official opening of block party
- Pet Parade
11-12:30
- *FREE* Bounce House for kids (sober adults) in front of 4241 N. Leavitt (Anstee house)
12:30 - 2pm
Lunch and relaxing
2 - 2:30PM
- Kids Sprinkler Obstacle course and water games. Meet at the Fire Hydrant
2:30-3pm
- Adult Water and Picnic Games (meet at Fire Hydrant)
- 3 legged race, watermelon seed spitting contest, pie eating contest, water balloon toss, bubblegum bubble blowing contest,
4PM
Charades
5-7pm
Dinner and relaxation in your own yards/homes.
10pm
Official close of block party. Barricades to be moved. Maybe some fireworks.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mon,, June 22 Initial Block Party Meeting
*Please add this site to your RSS feed so you are notified of updates.
www.leavittblockparty.blogspot.com
Grab a lawn chair and head over to our front porch: 4241 N. Leavitt at 6:30pm
We will have a brief meeting about the upcoming Block Party on July 4th.
This is the first block party ever for the 4200 block of Leavitt. I have the permit from the city.
This meeting is an effort to divide and conquer the tasks required to keep the block party safe, fun and our own! I will be asking for volunteers for various light duties (hanging signs, security, beer pick up, raffle announcer, etc.)
If you have any GOOD IDEAS about what we can do at the block party, please contact me!
So far we have the following scheduled:
Fire Truck (for kids or adults to explore)
Bounce House (kids or adults)
Both items will arrive in the morning sometime 11-1pm perhaps. It's if-y.
We have the opportunity to make this a great neighborly event. If you're not familiar with what block parties are, please see the FAQs.
Any questions or concerns please email: Beck Anstee beckanstee@gmail.com
Home: 472.3951
Cell: 620.1936
www.leavittblockparty.blogspot.com
Grab a lawn chair and head over to our front porch: 4241 N. Leavitt at 6:30pm
We will have a brief meeting about the upcoming Block Party on July 4th.
This is the first block party ever for the 4200 block of Leavitt. I have the permit from the city.
This meeting is an effort to divide and conquer the tasks required to keep the block party safe, fun and our own! I will be asking for volunteers for various light duties (hanging signs, security, beer pick up, raffle announcer, etc.)
If you have any GOOD IDEAS about what we can do at the block party, please contact me!
So far we have the following scheduled:
Fire Truck (for kids or adults to explore)
Bounce House (kids or adults)
Both items will arrive in the morning sometime 11-1pm perhaps. It's if-y.
We have the opportunity to make this a great neighborly event. If you're not familiar with what block parties are, please see the FAQs.
Any questions or concerns please email: Beck Anstee beckanstee@gmail.com
Home: 472.3951
Cell: 620.1936
Block Party FAQs
Please put this blog in your RSS reader so you are notified of updates. I'd like to use this as the main means of communication so I don't have to make copies and hit every house. Thanks!
What is a block party?
A block party is a longtime Chicago tradition where neighbors close off the street and have a huge party. This is a family friendly event with some fun things for the kids. The neighbors of the block organize the party and it's activities. I have begun this process but need help in order to make this the best party it can be.
Why July 4th?
This was the only feasible date we could get approval from the city. The other dates were early June or late August. So we said "what the heck, let's try the 4th!"
Will I have to move my car?
Yes. All neighbors must move their cars off of the Street by no later than 10AM, Saturday July4th. They will not be towed. We will knock on your door and ask you to move it.
*If you are out of town and not taking your car, please let us know, a neighbor would be happy to move it. OR please consider parking on an adjacent street.
It's not official, but you can park in the Jewel lot and not get towed. I've never gotten towed. Don't hold me to it either.
Is there a Budget?
No. There is no budget. Each family is responsible for their own BBQ and beer. I am working on getting free beer donated. If that happens, I will share with the block! There may be raffle items for sale that have been donated from local businesses.
Is this open to the Public?
No. The block party is specifically for the residents of the 4200 block of north Leavitt. Public pedestrian traffic are allowed to use the sidewalks, but bikers and traffic need to use alternate routes. I'm sure bikes will cut thru the party. So keep you're eyes open so you don't get run over.
Feel free to invite anyone you wish to the block party. I merely want to state that this is NOT a street festival (like Ribfest or Retro on Roscoe). The games and amenities are for OUR enjoyment only. Not the entire city of Chicago. Especially the kids games. We want the kiddos on our block to have a heck of a time! Of course they can invite cousins, friends, neighbors from other blocks, etc. This is to build community.
Can you really build community with a closed street and beer?
If the beer is free. ;-) How many neighbors do you know? I've lived here for 10 years and know only the neighbors near me - with kids. That's my station in life now - a young family. I know there are others 50 feet away down the block.
Our house participated in Rummage Around the Jewel Garage Sale. I met neighbors that I had never laid eyes upon before. That was so sad to me. But the goods is... they're great! Interesting, diverse folks. Let's get our community on!
Do I have to volunteer?
Yes. No. You don't have to, but many hands make for light work. This is our first block party, so it will be slow and not the best it can ever be.
What can I do?
You can help in large and small ways. You can be on point as security - tossing out any weirdos who endanger our children and steal our beer.
You can go to area businesses and ask for donations (this is common and they are usually MORE than happy to donate).
You can hang up signs (parking, etc)... Your help is needed. This can't be a success without out you!
We also need any and all great ideas about what to do at the party. Think kitschy party games (egg toss, potato sack race... the more creative the better).
Call or email Beck Anstee with any questions or comments.
4241 N. Leavitt
Cell: 620.1936
Home: 472.3951
What is a block party?
A block party is a longtime Chicago tradition where neighbors close off the street and have a huge party. This is a family friendly event with some fun things for the kids. The neighbors of the block organize the party and it's activities. I have begun this process but need help in order to make this the best party it can be.
Why July 4th?
This was the only feasible date we could get approval from the city. The other dates were early June or late August. So we said "what the heck, let's try the 4th!"
Will I have to move my car?
Yes. All neighbors must move their cars off of the Street by no later than 10AM, Saturday July4th. They will not be towed. We will knock on your door and ask you to move it.
*If you are out of town and not taking your car, please let us know, a neighbor would be happy to move it. OR please consider parking on an adjacent street.
It's not official, but you can park in the Jewel lot and not get towed. I've never gotten towed. Don't hold me to it either.
Is there a Budget?
No. There is no budget. Each family is responsible for their own BBQ and beer. I am working on getting free beer donated. If that happens, I will share with the block! There may be raffle items for sale that have been donated from local businesses.
Is this open to the Public?
No. The block party is specifically for the residents of the 4200 block of north Leavitt. Public pedestrian traffic are allowed to use the sidewalks, but bikers and traffic need to use alternate routes. I'm sure bikes will cut thru the party. So keep you're eyes open so you don't get run over.
Feel free to invite anyone you wish to the block party. I merely want to state that this is NOT a street festival (like Ribfest or Retro on Roscoe). The games and amenities are for OUR enjoyment only. Not the entire city of Chicago. Especially the kids games. We want the kiddos on our block to have a heck of a time! Of course they can invite cousins, friends, neighbors from other blocks, etc. This is to build community.
Can you really build community with a closed street and beer?
If the beer is free. ;-) How many neighbors do you know? I've lived here for 10 years and know only the neighbors near me - with kids. That's my station in life now - a young family. I know there are others 50 feet away down the block.
Our house participated in Rummage Around the Jewel Garage Sale. I met neighbors that I had never laid eyes upon before. That was so sad to me. But the goods is... they're great! Interesting, diverse folks. Let's get our community on!
Do I have to volunteer?
Yes. No. You don't have to, but many hands make for light work. This is our first block party, so it will be slow and not the best it can ever be.
What can I do?
You can help in large and small ways. You can be on point as security - tossing out any weirdos who endanger our children and steal our beer.
You can go to area businesses and ask for donations (this is common and they are usually MORE than happy to donate).
You can hang up signs (parking, etc)... Your help is needed. This can't be a success without out you!
We also need any and all great ideas about what to do at the party. Think kitschy party games (egg toss, potato sack race... the more creative the better).
Call or email Beck Anstee with any questions or comments.
4241 N. Leavitt
Cell: 620.1936
Home: 472.3951
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