“Community isn’t a buzzword—it’s an action. And that’s exactly how the 400 block of West Vine Street brought their first block party to life.”
From the moment Zoë (in the jeans) and Starr (in the red top)—best friends and now neighbors—moved onto the block, they dreamed of knowing the people living around them by name. That dream quickly turned into a plan: host a block party! But as they’ll tell you, “It didn’t happen because of just the two of us.”
Determined to make the event truly communal, they knocked on every single door, inviting their neighbors not just to attend, but to help shape the day. And their block showed up! Nearly 10 neighbors met ahead of time to co-create the event. Along with the group’s ideas, energy, and time; the Love Your Block grant and trailer, and support from SoWe’s Resident Leadership Committee helped bring everything together!
The day itself was intentionally crafted for connection. A warm welcome table greeted guests with name tags and space to share their home address. Bingo cards served as clever conversation starters, sparking organic chats that helped neighbors, who often passed each other on their street without much of a word, break the ice.
Zoë and Starr noticed something special: “No one was on their phones.” Instead, they watched neighbors be fully present with one another – “happy to finally get to know the individuals that lived just a door or two away.”
The festivities continued with walking tacos, an apple bar, cotton candy, pumpkins generously donated by Flinchbaugh’s Orchard, face painting, yard games, and an impressive raffle. Local businesses stepped up in a big way with prizes, including tickets to Go N Bananas, Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster Science Factory, and the Fulton Theatre, plus gift cards to Our Town Brewery, Sweet Shoppe, Rachel’s Creperie, Decades, and even walking tour tickets from Lancaster Vice! The only catch? Winners were announced near the end of the event—meaning more time to build genuine community and connection!
For two hours, with the street temporarily closed, the entire block transformed into a safe, joyful space for neighbors to play and easily be together. “It’s a party over here!” one neighbor remarked - and with more than 50 neighbors of all ages attending – we couldn’t agree more that the day was a smashing success!
And even weeks later, the magic hasn’t faded. “Those conversations didn’t stop there—they’ve continued well beyond the event,” Starr shared. “In fact, the momentum has grown so much that we’ve now formed a Community Engagement Committee for our block!” This committee plans to host quarterly block events. Up next on the wish list: a holiday door-decorating contest and, when the weather warms, an ice cream social!
The dynamic on their block has completely shifted. Now, even on ordinary days, neighbors pause to talk, check in, and connect. That’s the power of just one event!
This is only the beginning—and we can’t thank Zoë and Starr enough for sparking something so meaningful right where they live! If you’re inspired to bring a special event or project to your block, reach out to Jacquie at Jacquie@WeAreTenfold.org to get started! Hopefully this is just the beginning for your block too!
