With their usual children’s games, activities, food and movies after sundown, the 16th annual Hampton Street block party will allow for Elmira residents around the Hampton Street block the opportunity to gather together and meet their neighbours.
“As in past years we continue to enjoy an event that brings our neighbours together in the spirit of family fun,” said Randy Smith. “New neighbours meet their neighbourhood; young people meet their peers and older folks.”
Looking back 16 years, Smith remembers forming the committee that is still organizing the event today.
“The reason that we started this 16 years ago was because we wanted to know more of our neighbors,” said Smith. “We do this once a year to get the community more aware of who’s who.”
The block part really emulates what it means to live in a neighbourhood that goes beyond having homes in close proximity to each other.
“To me it’s a big thing about having the kids in the community feeling safe, having new people to the area seeing that they have moved onto a good block. It’s just a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun,” he said. “It is just win-win-win all around.”
Smith says each year in addition to the fun games, movies and eatery they do a 50/50 draw, food collection and donations jar targeted towards a community initiative. This year they have decided to donate the money towards the Elmira splash pad project.
Although he says their block party is exclusive to residents in the area, he wants to encourage other neighbourhoods to do similar gatherings.
“We have made some real friendships as a result of it,” he said. “We encourage other people to do the same thing in their lot – we want to convey how much goodness happens.”
Smith added that it really shows that the communities in Elmira are thriving.
The neighbourhood block party will be happening rain or shine this year, with an expected 60-80 attendees. The day’s happenings are to kickoff after 4 p.m. in the area of 32-34 Hampton St. on September 9.
