Yes, you can host your own neighbourhood block party on June 21st. It's easy!
Step 1: Check out our map of Kits Block Parties for 2009. If there's a party already planned for your block, simply get in touch with the organizer.
Step 2: Collect signatures from residents of your block - a great way to meet your neighbours and also invite them to the party!
Step 3: Fill out and send in the application/insurance form to the city.
Step 4: Plan the fun things you'd like to do for your party.
Step 5: The day before the event (June 20th), you'll receive your barricades from the Kits Car-Free Organizers.
Step 6: Party day is June 21st! Set up your barricades and you're ready to go.
Step 7: Barricades will be picked up on June 22nd.
That's it! Read below for more detail.
Block parties allow you the opportunity to connect with your neighbours in a way that just isn't possible in everyday life. You, as the host, get the added bonus of meeting and getting to know your neighbours individually before the party. Block party hosts say that afterwards they feel a much greater connection to their neighbourhood.
The steps to hosting your party are straightforward, and the city block party web site makes it easy. Here's what to do:
1. Check out the map on the home page of our web site to see if there is already a party on your block on June 21st. The red pins on the maps indicate parties. Zoom in on the map (plus sign on upper left) and click on the pins near your street. The pop up box will tell you the block where the party is being held and provide you with a email contact form to get in touch with block party hosts. If there is a party planned for your block already, get in touch with those involved and you're on your way!
2. If there isn't a party on your block yet, you can start the process yourself. Send us an email at kitsilano@carfreevancouver.org or call Mel Lehan at 604-731-0599 to let us know you want to host a party on June 21st. Tell us your street and block (e.g. 2600 block W 6th), approximate time of your party (e.g. 10am-2pm), and provide us with an email contact. We'll post a pin on the map showing your party. (Note: Your email address is not visible to anyone clicking on your block party. Those wanting information on your party will need to fill out a form that will be forwarded to you by us).
3. Next, check out the City of Vancouver's block party web page at http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/:
a. The city wants to ensure that your neighbours know about the party, so they ask that you collect signatures from a number of households on the block. You can download their sign-off form here: http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/pdf/....
Try and find someone else from the block to help you with this -- it's more fun and it's easier when you share responsibilities. Going door to door for signatures also gives you a chance to get contact information from new people who would like to help plan the party.
We suggest you write up a small notice that you can leave at homes where you couldn't reach anyone. This notice should have info on the time and location of the block party, your contact info and a suggestion that they contact you to sign the form and join in the fun!
b. In addition to getting signatures, you will also fill out a city special event application/insurance form which you can download here: http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/pdf/....
c. Fax both the neighbour sign-off form, the application, and a sketch map showing where the party will be held to the city at 604-871-6139. You can also mail it to the address indicated on the application, or drop it off at the Special Events Coordination Office (2nd Floor, City Hall). It's a good idea to call the Special Events Coordination Office at 604-871-6260 to confirm receipt of the application.
d. Two street barricades for each block party will be provided by the Kitsilano Car-Free Block Parties organizers. We will both pick them up and drop them off. If you think you will need more than two barricades, please let us know. Distribution of barricades will take place on the morning of Saturday, June 20th. Pick-up with be on Monday, June 22nd.
Get your application in early! The number of block parties may have to be limited. Once you send your application in to the city, you can carry on with the fun of planning what you want to do with your neighbours. For more ideas on things to do at a block party, check out the link to our "Party Toolkit" on the Kitsilano page of our web site.