This is a great time to begin planning a block party for your neighborhood, and it’s certainly not too early to secure your date for a fabulous “ROCK YOUR BLOCK” Neighborhood Party.

The South Holland Neighborhood Groups Organizing Committee offers these fun, yet simple, ideas to “Rock Your Block” this summer:

• Gather a few neighbors to form a small planning committee to host the block party and pick a party date that works best for your neighborhood
• Reserve your block party date by completing the simple block party registration form, available online or pick up the form at the Village Hall, 16226 Wausau Avenue
• Consider ice breakers to give neighbors a reason to chat it up and build new friendships
• Host a friendly cook-off. Invite neighbors to compete for best sauces, side dishes, and desserts
• Create a unique beverage station using a wheel barrel to fill with drinks and ice, and get the kids in on the action with their very own neighborhood lemonade station. Another fun option for the beverage station are snow cones. WikiHow provides an easy guide to set kids up to make their own – http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Snow-Cones
• Consider a bounce house – an affordable activity for kids to spend hours jumping off energy from the sweet treats
• Kids love face painting, and what goes better with face painting than balloon twisting
• Music is a great way to “rock your block.” Music will liven the atmosphere and neighbors. Perhaps there is a DJ in your neighborhood to take on this party assignment
• Police and fire vehicles are thrilling for neighborhood kids. If special guest appearances of friendly officers and firefighters would excite your neighbors, simply check the box on the block party form
• Incorporate fun games for everyone to enjoy. Oldies but goodies, such as tug-of-war and sack races, will keep the party going strong

With the collaboration of good neighbors and the support of your community, you’ll “rock your block” this summer!