Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend

In a renewed effort to strengthen neighborhood connections, create opportunities for face-to-face conversation and play for all ages, Wilton Youth Council’s Free Play Matters Task Force is thrilled to be able to again promote Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend. The theme this year is “Building community one block at a time.”

This third annual town-wide initiative will be Friday, June 4, Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, 2021 (with another weekend Friday, September 17, and Saturday, September 19), with each road or neighborhood choosing its own day and time. There are no hard and fast rules for the events, but people are encouraged to think simple and keep it “old-fashioned.”

Information for residents who would like to participate:

WYC’s Big Block Party Weekend is an initiative aimed at connecting neighbors for face-to-face interaction and creating more opportunities for children’s free play. In an effort to bring Wilton families together, WYC has inspired neighbors all over town to organize old-fashioned block parties during Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekends.

Why have a block party? The benefits are endless! Here are the top reasons:

• Welcome all of our new neighbors to Wilton, as well as connect with those we’ve known for longer.
• Increase a sense of belonging in the community
• Get outside, make friends and have fun – no excuses are needed to celebrate
• Find neighborhood playmates for your children
• Opportunity for face-to-face connection and conversation
• Meet some of the long-standing neighbors and learn about your community history
• Decrease stress of snow days, storms, and emergency situations
• Create a neighborhood contact list

How to have a block party? Be a Block Party Captain! Here are some helpful tips:

• Keep it simple and low-key (try not to go overboard, it can make people feel the event is too much work)
• Recruit another neighbor or 2 to help.
• Decide on a location (road, common space, or yard).
• Decide what day and time work best for your neighborhood.
• Decide on the type of event – picnic, barbecue, potluck, etc.
• Establish block boundaries (use natural neighborhood boundaries where possible) to include approximately 20-30 houses. Remember those on adjacent busier roads.
• Have a child create the flyer to put in mailboxes.
• Distribute the flyer in all invited mailboxes — children love to do this task!
• Remember, keep it simple. Think old-fashioned block parties.
• Finally, be sure to follow any state and CDC guidelines

We suggest making a flyer to put in 20-30 mailboxes of neighbors (especially helpful if you don’t know your neighbors) Tips for your flyer:

• Share some of the reasons to have a block party (see above).
• Solicit opinions on how to handle the food.
• Suggest possible dates and times for the event.
• Use the flyer to encourage attendance.
• Include your contact information so your neighbors can email or call you if they would like to help. Most participating neighborhoods have had two or three residents offer to help.

Note Regarding Road Closures:

Wilton Police discourage residents from officially closing their roads – emergency vehicles need to be able to pass. Permits for road closures will only be considered for dead-end roads. To obtain such a permit, signatures are required from all residents, plus various town departments. Instead, some neighborhoods have decided to have their block party in someone’s yard, at the end of a driveway, or on the side of their road without obstructing traffic. Experienced block party planners suggest using a combination of balloons, signs that read “Caution Block Party in Progress,” and orange cones to alert drivers to the party in progress.

Block Party Survival Checklist:

• Signage for oncoming cars
• Name tags (consider including name, address, how long you’ve lived here)
• Sign-in sheet (names, kids’ ages, address, phone number, email address and if your child babysits)
• Bug spray and/or citronella candles
• First Aid kit
• Music player
• Garbage bags and recycle bin
• Plates, napkins, plastic/silverware, cups
• Paper towels/wet wipes for cleanup
• Coolers or beverage containers with plenty of ice — don’t forget a bottle opener
• Community table(s) for food/drinks and tablecloth(s)
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer or wipes
• Outdoor games – i.e. Cornhole, Giant Jenga, sack races, egg toss
• Flashlights, headlamps, or glow necklaces for children after dark
• Consider hiring a lifeguard, if children will be near a pool

On Facebook, visit “Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend.”  Organizers are asking residents to share their plans by commenting on the pinned post at the top of the page. For more information or questions, please email wiltonsbigblockpartyweekend@gmail.com.