My neighborhood has a block party every summer. There is a participation fee per house, the money goes toward concession food, prizes, entertainment. Houses can invite as many guests they want. Here's some background...there's been some friction in the past with certain houses. When the block party "grew" they didn't want to grow with it, for ex, they wanted all the stuff down at their end of the block. Last year, when we told them they needed to spread out the stuff, they decided to not partake. This year, I found out two of the three houses are not participating. Then thru word of mouth, I found out that one house is going to be the other house's as their guest. I am assuming the other house is going to do the same, they are all friends. I think this is crummy and unfair and will voice my opinion at the next meeting. I am sure it will start an argument. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on how to handle this without upsetting more neighbors?
2007-06-27 03:26:34 · 4 answers · asked by crazymom 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Things are spread out evenly now. The problem is these 3 houses are now going to go to "one" house and split the participation fee--$25, 3 ways. That's not fair to all the other houses that pay. I think something needs to be said, otherwise this could start to cause more problems down the road.
2007-06-27 03:48:52 · update #1
The rules are $25 per house. It's a community event. The $ goes toward support of THEIR neighborhood's block party. A friend of mine said, what they are doing is dining at the same restaurant, same table, but not paying. That's not fair. In the past years, these people were in charge, and hunted down a family that lived nearby, and was not part of the block party, but there as a guests, and made them pay. The family paid, to avoid an argument.
2007-06-27 03:53:00 · update #2
It sounds like they want to start a controversy. I'd just say you're sorry they don't want to participate, but to be fair, the party needs to be spread out over a wider area. Don't give them the satisfaction of getting mad. That's what they want. They also probably want everyone to feel bad that they aren't participating and give them their way. Immaturity in adults is a sad thing.
2007-06-27 03:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will always be one or two mavericks in any neighborhood. We have had a similar situation in ours. Remember that some people have their own social agenda and prefer not to share it with the neighbors. I think you should respect this. Also, you will always have divergence of opinion on the size of the party. Some may wish it to be confined to the neighborhood and not extend it to others. These issues need exploring at a committee or board meeting before action.
On the positive side, you appear to have an active neighborhood with only a few duds.
2007-06-27 10:36:05 · answer #2 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless there are specific rules determining what is considered a guest and how many each household can bring there is no issue.
Perhaps the coordinators of this event should have set a fee for each guest as well.
Final thought... Your scenario is the exact reason why I have always refused to get involved with such events.
2007-06-27 10:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by From Yours Trully 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave it alone. You won't accomplish anything constructive by trying to make people participate in something they don't want to do. Venting rarely works in these situations and often causes hard feelings that just make it worse.
2007-06-27 10:33:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋