You can get DC Fire & EMS to come out to show kids a firetruck. Here, the “Pride of Petworth” Engine 24 is a delight to the little ones.
**(All photos Kai Kimbrough)**

by Cesse Ip

As the pandemic droned on and as people became more comfortable socializing outside, Travis and Julie Gallo noticed that they were getting to know their neighbors while people were out walking their kids, relaxing on their front porch, or passing by on the street. The pandemic had brought the 400 block of Jefferson Street NW together and the Gallo’s wanted to do something to encourage small-scale community building.

In 2019, Travis and Julie relocated to DC from Chicago, where block parties are super popular. The city would encourage residents to organize them, and in exchange the street would get blocked off and they would give you a bounce house for the party. The Gallo’s used their past block party experience in Chicago and decided to bring it to their new home in DC. It was a big hit.

Here’s how you can organize your own block party and bring your neighbors out to socialize:

You must register for your party online through DDOT at least 30 days before your scheduled event. The criteria are as follows:

The applicant must be an adult resident (21 years or older) of the block being closed.
The area must not exceed two intersecting streets (i.e., must be limited to one block).
The street must be reopened no later than 10 pm
The applicant must obtain the consent of 51% of households on the block.
Vending is prohibited. No sales, fees, or donations shall be solicited or accepted at the event.
No sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed.
Accessibility for emergency equipment via an unobstructed 20-foot emergency access lane must be maintained at all times.
Posting of street closure/no parking signs must be completed no less than 72 hours prior to the date of the event.

Travis and Julie Gallo galvanized their neighbors on the 400 block of Jefferson St NW to make it happen. All the neighbors contributed in various ways. Someone had a PA so there could be music throughout the party; another neighbor had connections with Fire and EMS to get a visit from a fire truck. Another contributed a grill, another a projector and screen to show a movie in the evening. Other neighbors contributed monetarily for food, a bounce house, a face painter, and to have neighborhood ice cream man Charles Foreman from Everyday Sundae provide scoops.

The day of the block party was an awesome day of community building. Neighbors gathered around the grill as they were waiting for their food to be cooked. Kids sat and played together at the bounce house, did arts and crafts, and ate popcorn during the movie in the evening. Neighbors were able to have meaningful conversations with each other’s families over a period of hours, rather than a quick chat while heading in or out. Everyone loved it so much that the 400 block plans on doing it again this fall, and the next block over plans on doing their own in the spring.

You too can build up your community by planning a block party on your street! Learn more about the permitting system at the “The District of Columbia Neighborhood Block Party Permit Guide.” Other ideas for kid-friendly vendors include balloon animals, Wow Wheelz, and a magician.

There are many ways to get your neighbors out and socializing — it’s up to you to get started.