5 Tips for Throwing a Neighborhood Party
Make It Fun for All Ages at Your Neighborhood Party
The first Tuesday of every August is reserved for a nationwide event that encourages the building of relationships between neighbors and their law enforcement. National Night Out (aka: Night to Unite) also aims to raise crime prevention awareness throughout neighborhoods, creating a communicative bond. With tips from Coralville, plan to have a great night out for your family and neighbors, enjoying a summer night united.
- Invites: Be sure to invite all of your neighbors and let them know about the event. Include the location, time, and food plan. Utilize this opportunity to ask for money donations for food or potluck sign up. Flyers can be made to distribute to your neighbors. Be sure to include fun activities that will be happening! Post the event on your neighborhood Facebook page or other sites like Nextdoor.com.
Ask people to sign up for an email notice you can send out next year and/or ask people to volunteer next year! Post a sign in your yard announcing sometime the week prior to remind people.
2. Time and location: Designate a specific location for your neighborhood gathering. If you have the ability, a cul-de-sac works great, as well as a yard or nearby park. Make sure if your party will be on the street that it is in a safe location where families can easily walk to and from.
3. Menu and products: Determine whether food will be cooked on site such as a BBQ, catered or brought in potluck style from neighbors, and what supplies such as plates, cups and utensils will be needed. If you are not doing a potluck, consider gathering a cash food donation from those participating to supply the food or catered meals.
You don’t have to serve food – sometimes cookies, bars, s’mores and beverages are just enough to get everyone together! It’s not about the food, it’s about the fellowship!
4. Donations and support: Contact local businesses for items that may be willing to donate things that can be used as prizes for games or just to hand out to those who attend. Ideas include stickers, magnets, accessories such as beads or hats, frisbees, candy, pens and other fun items relevant to businesses donating. Don’t forget to include your local police and fire stations, inviting them to make a stop at your party. This can provide a fun activity for all ages, exploring police cars and fire trucks, as well as getting to know your local law enforcement. These fun visits help build a sense of community. Most cities request you register your event to help both officials and neighbors know whose hosting!
5. Games: Provide entertainment for all ages with yard games, music or planned games with prizes. Recognize the age groups that may be attending, making sure that there are family friendly games that can be played and enjoyed by your various age groups.
Call the party experts at Broadway Tent & Event to reserve everything you need for your neighborhood party.
