Winding Down Summer

A few weeks back our block got together for the annual block party that’s been going on for at least a few decades, with the exception of Covid.

It all starts by setting up improvised barriers at both ends of the street. People who live here know if they don’t move their car, they’re parked in for the duration. It’s always funny to watch people turn the corner and instead of getting that the street is blocked, drive right up the barrier and then slowly back away.

Then people set up grills and bring out folding tables, and drop off some potluck. You can see neighbor kids getting together to play in street, safe from the cars that usually drive through.

People gather, and there’s a fair amount of guys recreating scenes from King of the Hill. People bring friends and family, and by the time things get busy, 50 people are hanging out.

But most of all it’s for the kids. Boys gather and start playing in the street and each others’ yards.

Other kids ride their bikes up and down the street, and girls dance.

And kids who are tired of riding their bikes freely dump them in the street, with all of the usual rules suspended.

Older kids grab whatever they can to eat, while parents feed the younger ones.

And kids get to socialize in new ways.