When my family and I moved to our current neighbourhood, we found ourselves in a place where the weather seemed to dictate social interactions. The cold winters and hot summers made it easy to relegate meaningful conversations to a polite wave across the yard, if there was any eye contact at all. The constant drone of lawnmowers and air conditioners muted most attempts at connection. We were “neighbours” in proximity, but not in spirit. We saw kids getting on the bus, but we didn’t hear their laughter in the yard.
Then it struck me—we could have a block party. God had created us to be relational beings, and he existed in a divine relationship himself. He crafted us to nurture the next generation with creativity and love, and he beckoned us to live in community as we ventured from the garden to the city. The block party embodied these principles. Neighbours, even those who might not share the same beliefs, could come together to share a greater identity that defined their relationship with one another. It was a profound longing, and a simple catalyst could set the ball rolling.
Operating on the belief that people simply needed a good excuse to gather, I took inspiration from Jesus’s first miracle, which was essentially a block party. I picked up a keg of root beer and regular beer, ordered a pig on a spit, and arranged for a band to provide entertainment. The neighbours brought sides for the meal, and some brought games for the kids to play. Voilà! The annual bock party was born.
Over the past thirteen seasons, our block party has given rise to more neighbourhood gatherings. We celebrate Halloween, “light up night” in December, a Fourth of July bash, and spontaneous backyard gatherings. New neighbours seamlessly become part of the fold, and the joyful sound of children can be heard in the streets as they become summertime buddies and schoolmates.
In our neighbourhood, there is a palpable pulse that resonates daily. The lifeblood of friendship flows as dogs are walked, neighbours pause to admire gardens, and conversations about life itself flourish. Children roam free, etching memories into their lives that will endure for years to come.
The block party is now a cherished tradition—a testament to the power of community. It’s a reminder that, deep down, we all yearn for the same thing: to be together, to connect, and to create lasting memories. The block party, in its simplicity, has woven the fabric of our community and continues to strengthen the bonds that make us truly neighbours and friends.