A Moorhead neighborhood celebrated its 20th annual block party on August 4. Nearly fifty neighbors, including former residents, gathered on 10th Street between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue South for a potluck dinner, a kids’ bike parade, a water balloon fight and friendly conversation. Co-organizer Chuck Kehler hosted the outdoor event, but he plans the block party with a rotating group of neighbors that typically includes Rick Rasmussen, Mayor Del Rae Williams, her husband Ron Williams and Paul Eidbo.
The event, Mr. Eidbo’s Neighborhood, is named for Eidbo, a longtime resident who has lived in the neighborhood since before the streets were paved. The neatly manicured lawns and well-tended homes have changed a bit since the neighborhood was built in the 1950s, but the welcoming spirit hasn’t. “Everybody’s neighborly,” said Rick Rasmussen. “Everybody knows everybody, that’s the best part. We look out for each other.” And the annual block party plays a big part in keeping neighbors connected.”
“It’s hard to meet your neighbors,” said Kehler. “You see people when they come out to mow the lawn or take out the garbage. This is a chance to find out if they have grandchildren, if they’re remodeling their basement. You really get to know your neighbors.”
The event has ebbed and flowed over the years, as the planners welcomed children and grandchildren, new neighbors moved in and out and over 70 new block parties grew up around them. The increasing number of neighborhood parties and the rise of Night to Unite, a community-building event designed to connect citizens, businesses and public safety officials across the nation, has narrowed their invitation list. But organizers are happy to see more people meeting their neighbors in any way they can.
The group has moved the party to different dates over the years, but now coordinates the event to coincide with Night to Unite because a weekday block party works well for the neighborhood and they appreciate the event’s message. “The point of Night to Unite is exactly that,” said Mayor Del Rae Williams. “Neighbors getting to know neighbors so that crime happens less.”