A huge thank you to the City of St. Albert for promoting and supporting block parties. Mission Hill Grande held theirs on Sunday and more than 100 people came out to renew old acquaintances and make new ones. Neighbourhood Watch and Citizen’s Patrol support Block Parties by providing free hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns in an effort to promote safety in our community.
Residents provided salads and desserts, potluck style, and had more than enough food. The city provides the permit to close or block off a street, the stanchions, signs, etc. as well as games.
Our host team did the planning, set up, icebreaker game, and collected many door prizes. We spent several hours together. It felt like a huge family barbecue. Block parties are a wonderful resident led initiative that help enhance a personal sense of “community.”
Mayor Nolan Crouse is correct in saying “Block parties are a great way for residents to connect and interact … (and) are an important part of reducing crime.” This is now an annual event for us and we have already started discussing next year’s party. Every block should have one!
See more at: http://stalbert.ca/living-here/family-and-community-support-services/neighbourhood-development/block-parties/#sthash.u6t4HFtL.dpuf
Dawne Fowler, Mission Hill Grande, St. Albert
