Neighborhood Block Parties

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Do you want to....
Meet Your Neighbors?
Build Social Cohesion?
Inspire Friendships?
Strengthen Disaster Readiness?
*If yes, then you should throw a block party!*

APPLY TO WIN A $500 STIPEND FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY HERE

Applications will be scored by project organizers and priority will be given to neighborhoods who:

1. Are organizing their first block party.

2. Make an accessible, inviting, and engaging plan to loop in all their neighbors, including ones who are aging and have disabilities. 

Block Party Project Overview

Why?

In an age of soaring mental and behavioral health struggles, increased isolation and polarization among residents, and increased environmental disasters, neighbors need each other more than ever before. So, we're looking for some neighborhood champions that are ready to make the first move and start bringing people together. This program leverages the power of social connection as a public health strategy, recognizing that resilient and disaster-ready communities are built not just through infrastructure, but through relationships. 

When?

Whenever You Want.

For Neighborhood Champions Applying for $500 Stipend: Block Party Stipend Applications are Due Sunday, May 24.

Where?

YOUR neighborhood. Maybe your yard, maybe your street, maybe your local park. You decide.

How?

Not sure where to start? Never thrown a block party before? No problem. We've got you. Below, you will find almost everything you need to know about organizing a successful block party. Different guidelines and permits are required of different neighborhoods, depending on where you live in the City of Helena, the City of East Helena, or Lewis and Clark County. 

 

Who to Contact?

Still have questions? We are just a phone call away.

Contact Sarah Sandau with questions about block party grant applications, permits, party ideas, or available resources: 406-457-8960, ssandau@lccountymt.gov. 

Media peeps can also contact Sarah Sandau with questions. 

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Party Planning

Let's Get Started

1. Put a Planning Team Together

  • Will you team up with a neighbor(s) to plan event?
  • How will you define your block or neighborhood?
  • How many people live within that block or neighborhood?
  • How many people should you plan for?
  • Do you want to host a themed block party? If yes, what's your main theme and/or activity? 

2. Decide on Location

  • Personal Property, Public Parking Lot, Street, Park, Etc.
  • Is Your Chosen Location Accessible to Neighbors with Access and Functional Needs (Stairs, Gates, Sidewalks, Chairs, Etc.)?
    • People with access and functional needs may have accessibility needs that are either temporary or permanent: they can include the elderly, people with disabilities or injuries, pregnant neighbors, etc. 
  • Is Your Chosen Location Large Enough for Estimated Crowd Size?
  • Think Sanitation: Will Neighbors Use their Home Bathrooms, Park Restrooms, a Porta Potty, Etc.? How Will You Collect and Dispose of Garbage?
  • Think Power: Will You Need to Plug In? What do You Need to Plug In? Where Will You Plug In?

3. Decide on Date and Time

  • Date and Time Can Be Dependent on Season and Theme

4. Fill Out and Submit any Necessary Permits, Insurance, or Plans

  • See Below for Required Permits, Insurance, and Plans for City of Helena, East Helena, and Lewis and Clark County 

Communications Ideas

  • Flyers and/or Invites: Digital and Print
  • Door Knocking
  • Emails (Some organizers might want to create a separate email for the event.)
  • Text Messages
  • Phone Calls
  • Follow Ups/Reminders

 

Food and Beverages

Do you want to BBQ, host a potluck, throw a cooking competition, or stick with simple drinks and snacks? You plan; you decide. Here are some guidelines to help you organize food and beverages for your gathering:

  • Create Possible Sign-up Sheets for Food and Drinks (to include dietary restrictions)
  • Cutlery, Cups, Napkins, Etc.
  • Tables and Chairs
  • Grills, Fuel, and Accessories
  • Coolers and Ice
  • Possible Warming Pans or Slow Cookers
  • Food Safety Review and Oversight

Activities/Entertainment

You'll want to make this intergenerational block party fun for all ages. Maybe you have a theme, and maybe you don't. Here are some ideas to bring fun into the mix of things:

Potential Roles and Responsibilities for Planners and Helpers

It Takes a Village.

Potential Roles and Responsibilities for Party Planners and Helpers:

  • Permits and Insurance Coordinator
  • Communications Coordinator (Flyers, Invites, Emails, Door Knocking, Etc.)
  • Food and Beverage Coordinator
  • Setup and Cleanup Coordinator
  • Safety Coordinator (The City of Helena Requires a Safety Plan)
  • Energy Producer/Greeter/Connector 
  • DJ/Tech Support
  • Activity Leads/Entertainers
  • Emergency/Disaster Readiness Lead
  • Photographer/Videographer
  • Grill Masters

Contingency Plans

Life happens, as does inclement weather like crazy windstorms, and possibly even alien invasions. (Hide your wives, hide your children....)

While we hope that your block party will go on without a hitch, be prepared to postpone, to cancel, to relocate, and to reschedule. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Real Life Examples and Templates

Many residents have been throwing successful block parties for years. For inspiration, read these stories from local organizers and neighborhood champions:

Winter Celebration - A Backyard Party(PDF, 490KB)

 

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Permits, Insurance, and Plans

City of Helena

  • Yard Party
    • No permits, insurance, forms, or walkthroughs required on private property
  • City Park Party

    City Permit Deadline is 30 Days Prior to Event  

    • Special Event Permit: $100
    • Alcohol Permit (if applicable): Indicated on Special Event Application
    • Noise Permit (if applicable): Indicated on Special Event Application
    • Insurance: Price Dependent on Size, Location, Activities, and Alcohol Served
      • Certificate of Insurance Submission is Required for Completion of Special Event Permit Application
    • Emergency Action Plan
    • Park Use Reservation: $25
      • Neighborhood Champions Must Call City of Helena Parks and Rec to Inquire About Availability and Reserve Park Use
      • Contact Information: Parks and Rec Administrative Coordinator Heather Kahler, 406-447-8463, hkahler@helenamt.gov
  • Street/Block Party

    City Permit Deadline is 30 Days Prior to Event

East Helena

  • Yard Party
    • No permits, insurance, or forms required on private property
  • City Park Party

    *To support this project, the City of East Helena’s liability insurance will cover neighborhood block parties; no independent insurance necessary unless otherwise indicated below

    • Parks are FREE to use; no permit required
    • Facility Use Agreement for Kennedy Park Pavilion and Main Street Pavilion: $100/Day and $200 Security Deposit
    • Out of courtesy, please notify City of East Helena Public Works about block party plans at local park at least one week in advance.
    • Contact Information for East Helena Public Works: Kevin Ore, 406-459-3769, kore@easthelenamt.us
    • *Special Events Insurance Only Needed for Bounce Houses and Inflatable Play Equipment If Renting*
  • Street/Block Party

    *To support this project, the City of East Helena’s liability insurance will cover neighborhood block parties; no independent insurance necessary, unless otherwise indicated below

    • No Permits or Fees Required
    • City of East Helena will supply cones and barriers for street closure at no cost to organizer.
    • Please notify City of East Helena Public Works about street party plans at least one week in advance.
    • Contact Information for East Helena Public Works: Kevin Ore, 406-459-3769, kore@easthelenamt.us
    • *Special Events Insurance Only Needed for Bounce Houses and Inflatable Play Equipment If Renting*

Lewis and Clark County

  • Yard Party
    • No permits, insurance, or forms required on private property
  • County Park Party
    • No permits, insurance, or forms are required of L&C County residents for use of county-owned park lands or open spaces.
    • Party organizers will want to notify subdivision or HOA members of plans to use any open spaces or parks within their boundaries.
    • For questions about county-owned park lands or open spaces, please contact Community Development and Planning.
    • Contact Information for Community Development and Planning: Angie Hubbard, 406-447-8373, ahubbard@lccountymt.gov
  • Street/Block Party
    • No permits, insurance, or forms required
    • Party organizers will want to notify subdivision or HOA members of plans to use streets or roads within their boundaries.
    • Please notify Public Works with questions about utilizing and/or blocking any public roads or streets. They will provide guidance, oversight, and potential assistance for street party endeavors.
    • Contact Information for Public Works: 406-447-8030

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Disaster Ready Neighborhoods

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In the case of a small-scale incident, like a snowstorm, neighbors can help each other mitigate situations before molehills turn into mountains. This may look like shoveling and salting your elderly neighbor's steps and sidewalk, so they do not slip and fall. 

In the case of a large-scale disaster, our neighbors with access and functional needs are the most vulnerable to crisis. When neighbors are familiar and friendly with one another, they can rely on each other to keep one another safe, fed, and cared for until help arrives. 

Mapping Your Neighborhood

Help Your Neighbor - Map Your Neighborhood

Map Your Neighborhood

Resources for Individual and Family Preparedness

Ready.gov

Make a Disaster Plan

Build a Disaster Kit

Make a Family Communication Plan(PDF, 139KB)

Disaster Preparedness Calendar(PDF, 569KB)(screen reader version(PDF, 401KB))

Fred the Preparedness Dog (resources and activities for children, parents, teachers)

 

Community Resources

List of Available Resources

Every neighborhood has unique interests and needs. If you are interested in having resources, materials, or potentially a table at your event, please see the following options below:

 

Print Outs

Neighbor Bingo(PDF, 170KB)

After Party Prompts(PDF, 160KB)

 

Testimonials

"We really enjoyed the neighborhood block party. We were able to meet new neighbors, chat with old ones, and even play some fun games together in the grass. Everyone brought food and it was delicious! Music, dancing, and fun! More of these events are needed! " - Caroline Warne

 

"This past summer we threw a block party in our neighborhood, and honestly, it was even bigger and more amazing than I expected. Neighbors of all ages showed up, and it was so uplifting to see everyone connecting in ways they hadn’t before. There was laughter, dancing, playing, conversation, and just a real sense of community. People left feeling happier and more supported. The thing I love most is when we know our neighbors, we care about them. And when we care, we naturally start thinking about how we can help each other when it matters most. I saw friendships form that will last for years, like a family with two little kids who connected with a teenager to help them with babysitting and a family new to Helena whose kids started school with their new friends that they met at the party. This showed me that block parties aren’t just fun. They boost mental health, bring generations together, create caring neighborhoods, and make our community stronger." - Christa Gabriel

 

"Last summer I was excited to attend the neighborhood party at Clinton Park which is a short walk from our house. I went early and brought my new birthday present, a corn hole game. The band was setting up. I was excited to get more time with our community. I got to see old friends and got to know new ones better. It was simple. We shared food, sat together, talked, played games, watched happy children and danced. We built community.  Most people brought tasty side dishes, and we enjoyed hamburgers cooked by the organizer. I went back three times to get more of the delicious peach cobbler someone had brought. I wish I had found out who. When it was over, a neighbor helped me carry my corn hole game home. I bonded more with her in that simple act. Later, in the summer I was invited to a street party on Breckenridge and I had a blast. I hope we can intentionally deepen our communities so we can work together in times of crisis. I’d like to share my strengths and learn about others’ gifts. I’m excited to join together to create the world we want to see—one of safety, connection, and love." - Ann Wilsnack

 

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