Columbia Citizens

The block party across MLK on 33rd from Brandon to Dawson was fantastic! Probably about 40 neighbors all told, sharing food, chatting, and going wild in the bouncy house. I got the sense that it was the first time most attendees had talked to each other, but everybody was clearly happy to have the opportunity. Thirteen people signed up to form a block watch.

The block party on 33rd Ave S between S Alaska ST and S Oregon St was great! A big thanks to the tireless organizers.

I was astonished at all the new faces: new neighbors who moved into old house, folks who moved into the new homes built near S Oregon St, renters whom I'd never seen. It felt like double the size. What was great, was the appearance of three new, slightly tipsy, homeowners who ventured over from 34th Ave, a friendly gesture and a first as far as I could tell.

In the past I'd have a tough time finding a seat. This year people brought what seemed like a fleet of folding outdoor chairs and arranged them in a huge circle. Great idea.

The pinata is one of our traditions. Toward the end of the evening it's strung up off a light pole and the neighborhood kids take turns hammering the tar out of it until the candy spills out. This never gets old.

Someone took photos that I sure wish they'd post to Flickr! Maybe I'll set up a standing Group for our block, for continuity's sake, to which folks can post each year.