Do neighborhoods still have old fashioned block parties & get togethers?

Question

Just curious if any of you remember those days when everyone pitched in to make sure ALL the neighbors were invited to those outdoor dances & food fests!

I remember it mainly being an EAST COAST thing. The streets were closed to traffic & tables of food, live bands & a dance area was set up for everyone to enjoy. Of course, there was an open bar too. No one had to drive anywhere to get home. We had some great street fights back in those days! 50's & 60's!

Answer 1

I have not lived in a neighborhood like that since the early 60's. We had parties all the time. The best ones were on July 4th at the end of our cul-de-sac. Kids were in attendance at most of these until it was their bedtime. You bring up some good memories of fun times.

Answer 2

There is one area in the small town where I Iive that they still do that, and I keep thinking I'll organize it for my block, but - like everyone these days, I just get too busy. For New Year's Eve 2000, though, one of my neighbors organized a party at the park across the street from us. The entire town was invited, and many did show up. We had a bonfire, a DJ playing music, food, and luminaria all around the park and up and down our street.

Answer 3

I grew up in Pgh PA and yes we used to have block parties .
There is one area that used to have a weekend block party that had at least 30 some blocks ( It's called the south side ) and it was a great time. I just suggested to two of my neighbors that we should have a small one this summer. My neighborhood always has some big event going on and our street is somewhat quiet and I thought it would be a great way to get THESE neighbors out to mingle !!!

Answer 4

There are still some, but they're few & far between. We had some after the one hurricane took out our power about 2 years ago. The food was going to spoil anyway, so why not cook it on the barbeque & share?

My neighbor down the street has a Christmas party every year & everyone is invited.

Answer 5

I don't ever remember any block parties in our neighborhood when I was growing up. Nowadays we have "neighborhood watch" get togethers to let everyone in the neighborhood know of any incidents that have occurred in the neighborhood.We try to meet about two times a year. We have a block captain and she arranges for the meeting and get together.Each neighbor usually brings a snack or dessert to share with others.

Answer 6

yes those were some happy times and since ever one was invited you did not have to worry about the cops coming by and telling you to keep it down and many times i have found folks sleeping in the front yard!!!

this days in most of the neighborhood they would be scare of drive by shootings -- but i do not live on a block unless you count a super big hunk of land a block but during warm weather we always have happy hour in the garage from 3 till --course you have to tend bar your self because i may or not be there but feel free to drop by anytime!!!

Answer 7

Back in the day most of the neighbors on the block of my youth used to celebrate the Fourth of July, for example, and join in the festivities, including contributing fireworks and goodies to eat. To answer your question, within my frame of experience, and all of the homeowners association restrictions, the answer is no, and most neighbors I know keep to themselves. I do know some activities happen at local parks though. I hope others who answer you are still experiencing that rich tradition.

Answer 8

I live in a tiny rural village in Cornwall, England, population of around 400. I know everyone in my village, and we regularly have get togethers. Today was the nativity play, in our 14th century parish Church, and I would guess 98percent of our village were there, as most people have some connection with the children involved in the play. I had 3 grandkids performing, and the tears were flowing, and a box of tissues was actually passed around the church.

Answer 9

I asked this question a while ago. In my neighborhood we have a street where neighbors block off every 4th of July. It is pretty rare at best.

Answer 10

Whenever I lived in a house, as I was growing up, there never was one. I grew up, though, mostly in apartments. I am in an apartment now, too. I have read in the paper of certain streets that still have them, here in Orange County, Ca. Must be nice..