In 1982, Kurt Wisecarver and his family hosted a block party on Dalebrook Drive. They continued this role for 14 years, and then passed the torch to the Coverts, who kept the tradition going for another seven years.
This year, the Davidsons assumed the role as host. Wisecarver was there, enjoying yet another evening of food and fun with his neighbors. This party is such a tradition, that when the Silva family moved into their home across from the Coverts, they found several traffic cones in their shed. They were told that by moving to that house, they automatically became part of the hosting family for the traditional block party.
The Silvas gladly assumed that role, helping the Coverts to host until they moved last year. Since they only moved a few blocks away, they return to the party every year, as do the Coverts, the Farinos and other former neighbors.
WITH THE STREET blocked off, children were free to ride their bikes up and down the street. Chalk drawing was popular. By the end of the evening the street was covered with colorful drawings. There was plenty of food and beverage, and in years past, the neighborhood even had a DJ to entertain the crowd.
The coordinators always ask the local firefighters to join them and they are always happy to accommodate their neighbors unless they have more pressing matters to attend to. One year they came for just a few minutes, before having to leave on an emergency call. This year, about a dozen firefighters came, along with three of their vehicles.
Children enjoyed visiting with the firefighters and exploring the inside of the trucks. Many of them had their heart rate checked by doing a mini-EKG.
"They're all healthy," said Lt. Eddie Padgett, who enjoyed hamming it up with the children.