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4th of July
-> Creative Ways
Throw a Neighborhood 4th of July
Celebration
While most neighborhoods in suburban
America occasionally have block parties to celebrate birthdays, or a
host of other special occasions, nothing is more thrilling than to
have a “Fourth of July” block party. If you wish to start a
neighborhood 4th of July celebration in your community, encompassing
a block party and parade, here are some tips to get you started.
First you will need to file an
application. Here is a sample of what an application for a Block
Party/Parade may entail. Check with the local police department in
your state for more information.
* The person signing the application for any of the above events is
responsible for ensuring that all conditions are fulfilled, and that
all residents of the block are made aware of them.
* Applications for approval by Board of Trustees must be received at
least thirty (30) days prior to event. Obtain the signatures of all
residents on the block involved, whether they are/or are not in
favor of the block party (at least 75% of residents must be in favor
in order to qualify for approval).
* Block Parties are primarily for the benefit of the residents of
the block, and their families. It is the responsibility of the
person designated “responsible for the party” to ensure that minors
are supervised at all times and that no uninvited guests are allowed
to crash the block party.
* Person designated responsible for the block party must provide
every household on the block with copy of letter of approval,
whether they are/or are not participating in the function, prior to
date of the block party.
* All Block Parties may begin no earlier than 10:00 a.m., and shall
end no later than 11:00 p.m., at which time all music must end.
* Remind neighbors of “The Block Party” date, and the time it will
start to provide ample time for them to park their vehicles in an
accessible location. (Please note: it is imperative that no vehicles
park alongside the police barricades, blocking the intersection, in
case fire or emergency vehicles need to get through.)
* Police barricades, used to prevent through traffic, should not be
moved or removed until the end of the event. At the end of the
event, place the barricades on the grassy area between the curb and
sidewalk for pickup by the Public Works Department.
* No tables or chairs should be placed in the vicinity of fire
hydrants. The roadway must have at least a fifteen (15) foot wide
lane free of obstruction, to allow emergency vehicles access to the
entire block.
* No more than one Block Party a year is permitted.
* Fireworks, of any kind, are prohibited (display or otherwise).
Bicycle riding is prohibited within the confines of the block party.
Please refrain from very loud music and entertainment.
* Do not serve alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of
age or who appears to be intoxicated. All alcoholic beverages must
be supervised and served by responsible adults. We encourage the
availability of non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks.
* Adhere to local regulations concerning recycling and garbage
disposal.
In addition, if you intend to have a parade, you need to contact the
local fire department as well. Before you file all of the proper
paperwork, you need to contact your neighbors and ask if they would
like to participate. You will need their help in putting this entire
celebration together. Once they have agreed and all of the permits
are in place, it’s time to organize a committee to take care of the
following items:
* Order any necessary equipment from party rental company: tents,
folding tables, chairs, barbecues, coolers, helium tank, and
megaphone (to be delivered the day before the party).
* Make and mail invitations.
* Make ribbons and awards for games.
* Gather supplies for games.
* Buy decorations: balloons, streamers, and flags.
* Shop for nonperishable food, and paper supplies (plates, cups,
napkins, plastic utensils).
* Procure perishable food, including ice.
* Set up tents, tables, chairs, and barbecues.
* Fill water balloons.
* Put up other balloons and streamers.
* Decorate tables with tablecloths and tableware.
* Fire up the barbecues.
Starting a tradition of a Neighborhood 4th of July Celebration is a
wonderful way to not only celebrate the day, but to get to know your
neighbors as well.
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Need Ideas for Everyday Life?
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