This summer, several Wilton organizations are encouraging residents to strengthen local connections and get to know their neighbors better by hosting neighborhood block parties as part of Block Party USA‘s nationwide “American Summer” campaign celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The local effort is being supported by the Town of Wilton Social Services Department, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Library and Georgetown Orthodontics, which are helping promote the campaign and advocate for residents to organize gatherings in their own neighborhoods.
The goal of Block Party USA’s national initiative is to inspire at least 250 neighborhood block parties in every state between now and Labor Day to honor America’s 250th anniversary. Organizers say the gatherings can be as simple as neighbors meeting on a driveway, cul-de-sac, sidewalk or common green space to share food, conversation and time together.
“Getting together with your neighbors fosters a feeling of belonging and strengthens our community,” Wilton Youth Council Board Chair Kim Hall said.
Although the campaign is national, it has Wilton roots. Block Party USA was founded by Wilton resident Vanessa Elias after she organized Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend in 2018, which brought together dozens of neighborhood gatherings across town. Elias later expanded the concept into a national nonprofit.
Elias said Block Party USA’s mission is to strengthen neighborhoods by bringing people together face-to-face at a time when many people report feeling more isolated and disconnected. The organization suggests that simple neighborhood gatherings can help build trust, foster a sense of belonging, encourage children to play together and strengthen the local support networks that benefit families. Organizers say the nation’s 250th anniversary provides an opportunity for neighbors to reconnect — one block at a time.
“The most patriotic thing we could do for America’s 250th anniversary is reignite what made us strong 250 years ago — our interdependence on each other,” Elias said. “It’s what happens when everyday Americans come together, neighbor with neighbor.”
Residents interested in organizing a block party can download a free planning toolkit from Block Party USA that includes invitations, neighborhood contact templates and planning resources. Elias also offers periodic Zoom calls for people planning events.
“A block party can be as simple as setting up chairs at the end of a driveway, bringing snacks to share, filling a cooler with drinks, and letting kids run free. The point is getting together. Old-fashioned and simple are the goals,” Elias said.
Wilton participants have an additional opportunity this summer: hosts may request a visit from the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, schedule permitting, for a touch-a-truck-style stop where children and adults can tour an ambulance and meet volunteers. Interested hosts can email WVAC event coordinator Brian McDermott directly.
Information about the toolkit, upcoming planning Zoom sessions and how to organize a neighborhood gathering is available on the Block Party USA website.
