Ohio Avenue started throwing an annual block party in the early 1990s, missing only one prior to 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic. With organizers securing a city permit to close the street, the party took place in the 100-block between Bashford Street and La Follette Avenue, underneath the streetlight in front of 154. Early on, the idea was that many of the little old ladies who lived on Ohio and who rarely left their homes might enjoy watching the shenanigans from their windows. Ohio Avenue residents from north of Atwood Avenue, their friends and relatives, and neighbors from nearby streets would gather for a parade, potluck cookout, games, and a talent show. Over time, children grew up and many of the extroverts moved away. Interest seemed to wane. updated
For those contemplating organizing the next one, here is a tentative timeline:
Planning
Early in the spring, identify two to three households on the block and get them to all commit to a date to attend and thus plan around. The Saturday after Madison public schools let out was often popular. Avoid Madison’s many east-side festivals is difficult, but could be considered. Two to three months before that date, get the application for a city Neighborhood Block Party Permit, a type of street use permit.
Organizing group can have one person who checks in to ensure each task is on target to be completed. These tasks may include:
- Collecting signatures on petition to close the street
- Turning in petition
- Putting up signs with date and time
- Making invitations
- Distributing invitations
- Picking up barricades
- Moving barricades into position
- Leading parade
- Emceeing talent show
- Removing the barricades when the party is over
- Returning the barricades
Start collecting signatures from the residents of the block to be closed, one signature for each household. Ohio Avenue between Bashford and La Follette has 35 units, 17 on the even side and 18 on the odd side, meaning the city requires 26 signatures (and $50). Ask each household signing to donate a couple of dollars for the permit. Doing so creates a sense of community and responsibility.
On the application, write clearly that four barricades are needed because motorists seeking the Ohio Tavern or the Goodman Community Center have driven through, endangering small children and tipsy adults. Apply to close the street a couple hours before the party starts through midnight. Organizers can always open the street up early.
Turn in the petition and the $50 at least two weeks before the party. Approval may require a commission meeting, which could take time.
Put up signs announcing at least the party’s date at each end of the block.
Make paper invitations and distribute them to household’s doors for at least all three blocks of Ohio Avenue. Doing so ensures renters, newcomers, and others understand they are included and invited.
Arrange for someone with an appropriate vehicle to pick up the barricades the weekday before the party and for someone to return them the weekday after.
Day Before
Make sure the person has picked up the barricades from the city.
Consider leafleting the vehicles parked on the block to be closed to remind drivers to move them off the block by the time the permit commences.
Day of
Set up the barricades in the morning and keep them off the street. Consider taping signs to them that announce what time the block closes and as the day progresses, edge them into the parking area of the street. Doing so is helpful if the community center has a large event involving lots of street parking.
Put the barricades in place at the time the permit allows. Haul a grill or two, chairs and tables to middle of block. Encourage children to play in the street.
If talent show is included and money for permit was not collected along with signatures, pass a hat. People want to give. Extra funds can go to food pantry.
Have fun.
Days After
On the morning after, police the area for trash and leftover belongings so the burden does not fall on those who live closest to the party (especially if they did not attend).
Make sure the city gets its barricades back in a timely fashion.
Relax.