COLD LAKE - The winners of the second annual Neighbourhood Block Party were celebrated on Aug. 14 in Cold Lake.
“FCSS held the contest in May, and the 12th Avenue entries were selected as the winners by the FCSS Advisory Committee,” said Leanne Draper, volunteer services at Cold Lake and District FCSS explained.
There were three neighbourhoods that entered the contest, but the residents from 12th avenue had a stack of entries. Beginning at 5 p.m., staff from FCSS were on site serving hot dogs, beef on a bun, watermelon, and a variety of desserts. The City of Cold Lake barbecue was used to cook the hot dogs, and FCSS supplied the lawn games that were dispersed on the front yards of the homes.
FCSS has been running the Neighbourhood Block Party Program for over 10 years. For resident-hosted parties, residents can borrow tables, garbage and recycling bins, and a variety of outdoor games at no charge.
The host can also apply for a $150 rebate to help with the costs of the party. The other option is an FCSS hosted Neighbourhood Block Party, which has been running since 2017. For those parties, FCSS supplies the food, volunteers, and activities.
The Neighbourhood Block Party program is free and runs year-round. Draper said the parties could be themed for back-to-school in the fall or as a skating party in the winter, for example. FCSS encourages people to plan a block party as they strengthen community connections which help with building a safe and caring neighbourhood.
Residents who live in the City of Cold Lake or Wards 5 and 6 of the MD of Bonnyville can also apply to host a block party by filling out forms at www.coldlake.com
