Your organization is making a positive impact on the neighborhood and you want to connect with more people. What’s the best way to get people together and leave a great impression? Food, of course! Here are three tips for throwing a great block party.
1. Bring the Food Early
Food brings people together, so if you want to get people talking to each other and about your organization, feed them. But don’t wait until the day of the event. To reach the most people, offer engagement opportunities all week long. Rent a portable kitchen trailer and set it up on your property. Invite people to come each day of the week for a smaller event that includes a taste of what’s to come at the block party. This way, you introduce people to the location of your organization, you and your staff, and you create a positive experience.
2. Hire Local Talent
For a community block party, don’t outsource the food and entertainment to the most popular vendors you can find on a search engine. Hire local talent. By doing so, you ensure that the types of food and flavors that the people in the community enjoy are represented, and you create partnerships between your organization and other businesses locally. Scour restaurants and coffee shops for artists and musicians who would be interested in providing entertainment. Ask people on the street or at the supermarket about their favorite local spots.
3. Advertise Everywhere
Get the word out early and widely. Don’t just advertise on your company’s website and with a few flyers on telephone poles. Ask businesses to post the event on their websites or at their location. Put up posts on social media and consider investing in a radio or television ad.
When people have a positive view of your organization, you increase your ability to continue making changes for good in your neighborhood.
