- Block party
A block party is a large public celebration in which many members of a single
neighborhood congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual enjoyment. The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entirecity block to vehicle traffic. Many times, there will be a celebration in the form of playingmusic anddance . Block parties gained popularity in theUnited States during the 1970s. Block parties were often held outdoors and power for the DJ's sound system was taken illegally from street lights. This was famously referenced in the song "South Bronx" byKRS-One with the line:"Power from a street light made the place dark. But yo, they didn't care, they turned it out."
Traditionally, many inner city block parties were actually held illegally, because they did not file for an event permit from the local authorities "if needed". However, police turned a blind eye to them.
In the
suburb s, block parties are commonly held onholiday s such asFourth of July orLabor Day . Sometimes the occasion may be a theme such a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" for a new family or a recent popular movie. Often block parties involvebarbecuing ,lawn game s such asSimon Says and group dancing such as theElectric Slide , the Macarena orline dancing .In other usage, a block party has come to mean any informal public celebration. For example, a block party can be conducted via
television even though there is no real block in the observance. The same is true for theInternet .The block party is closely related to the
beach party . The British equivalent is thestreet party .In many small towns, the local fire department may also participate in the party, bringing out trucks that they display for show.
Block parties remain a part of American culture. An example of a contemporary block party is the one held by
Ronnie Mund of theHoward Stern show in July 2006. [http://www.marksfriggin.com/news06/7-24.htm#mon]History of the block party
Block parties are reported as a
World War I innovation originating from the East Side ofNew York City , where an entire block was roped off and patriotic songs sung and a parade held to honor the members of that block who had gone off to war. ["Block Parties",The Outlook , 16 October 1918; reviewed2008-09-20 .] [Fiocco v. Carver, 234 NY 219 (1922)]ee also
*
Party
*LAN party
*Demoparty
*Dave Chapelle's Block Party References
External links
* [http://www.streetparty.net Streetparty.net] - For a detailed manual on how to plan a block party
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