During the year, most people are so busy with work, school and daily activities that they hardly do more than greet their neighbours in passing. However, the end of the year, when schools close and many working people are on leave, is a great time to spend some time with the people who share your living space.
Good neighbourly relations make life more pleasant all year round. Good relationships also make good sense when it comes to safety and security, as you and your neighbours can keep an eye out for each other.
In gated complexes, street parties could be extended to include the whole community. If you don’t live in a gated community, you may want to find out about having the road closed off during the party. Find out from your municipality how to go about doing this.
It’s not too late to organise a street party with your neighbours for the summer holidays, but you need to get started right away.
Planning
First of all, chat about your idea with neighbours you know. If they seem keen, ask them to help you approach the other neighbours in the street.
Once you have general buy-in, send invitations to all the neighbours to attend a planning meeting in the street. Ask people to bring camping chairs so that everyone can be comfortable.
At the meeting:
- Decide when to hold the party - perhaps on Christmas Eve or to see in the new year.
- Decide how long the party will last.
- Decide who will provide the music. Make sure it won’t be too loud and that all tastes are catered for.
- Decide what decorations to put up – if any – and who will be responsible for providing them. Many people have unused decorations stored away or will be happy to help make some.
- If your street agrees, apply to the municipality for permission to close the road during the party.
- If it isn’t possible to close off your street, see if you can find another suitable venue. A wide pavement, a driveway or parking area, or someone’s front garden may be just the thing. The key is that the affected residents should be happy with the arrangement of the area closed, access and parking.
- Plan activities for all ages and tastes. For example, street cricket or other games for the children and a street quiz with questions about your neighbourhood and the area you live in for adults.
- If you will be braaiing, ask for braai volunteers and ensure you have enough portable braais to cater for everyone.
- Everyone should bring their own drinks and food, and most people will happily share. However, it may be a good idea to co-ordinate some foods, such as salads. For example, one or two families could make enough potato salads for everyone, and someone else could supply green salads.
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and have a backup plan in case of rain. Someone’s undercover patio or a double garage could work well.
- Ask everyone to bring tables and chairs for themselves - and one or two extras, just in case.
Arrange follow-up meetings so that you can keep everyone abreast of the arrangements. Be sure to share responsibilities so that everyone in the street is involved.
The week before
Send out reminders about the party, with updates on steps that have been completed.
- Arrange for vehicles to be moved on the day, if necessary.
- Make sure everyone is clear about what they need to do on the day.
On the day
No matter how well you plan in advance, there are always last-minute tasks that crop up.
- Set up road closure barriers and put up the decorations.
- Display the legal road closure notice if the municipality requires this.
- Have someone keep an eye on the road closures during the day in case anyone needs to come in or out.
- Make sure children are safely away from any vehicles.
After the party
Clear up and open the road immediately after the party.
As soon as possible, share photos, especially online and possibly the neighbourhood social media groups.
To keep the neighbourly atmosphere alive, set up regular street play activities for the children - and plan your next street get-together.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer
