Make it a Block Party

How well do you know your neighbors? How many do you know by name? According to a report by cityobservatory.org, 1/3 of Americans have never met their neighbors. This growing trend is likely due to a combination of factors, such as: busier and faster-paced lifestyles; people moving more frequently; differing cultures and values; and the ease of staying in touch with long-distance friends through technology and the internet.

This news may not shock you, but we hope it encourages you to get to know your neighbors more. It can be great having friends right next-door or across the street to help you out when you go out of town, lock yourself out of your house, or just want to discuss the latest news.

Summer is the most common time of year for people to move to a new place; most people prefer to move when the weather is nice and when their children are out of school. With summer having just ended, you may well have new neighbors living just a couple doors down who still don’t know anyone in their new home.

Well…what better time to celebrate the importance of having (and being) a good neighbor than National Good Neighbor Day (celebrated annually on September 28^th)?! Reach out and get to know your neighbors. You could develop new friendships or maybe meet parents whose kids go to school or ride the bus with yours.

Introduce yourself to each of your neighbors, then gather together to plan a block party where everyone can get to know one another. See if someone is willing to host the party at their house, or find a communal spot such as the neighborhood park or playground. Encourage everyone to bring a potluck-style dish that is easy to share with a large group of people.

Check out these 24 slider ideas using Martin’s Party Potato Rolls that would be perfect for your neighborhood block party!

1. Bologna and Cheese Slider
2. Turkey and Cheese Slider (Rachel Slider)
3. Egg Salad Slider
4. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Slider
5. Sweet and Sour Meatball Slider
6. Shrimp Slider
7. Crab Cake Slider
8. Fried Chicken Slider
9. Cucumber Dill Slider
10. Reuben Slider
11. Ham and Cheese Slider
12. Pizza Slider
13. Tuna Salad Slider
14. Burger Slider
15. Salmon Slider
16. Breakfast Slider
17. Pulled Pork Slider
18. Nutella and Marshmallow Slider
19. Bacon Cheeseburger Slider
20. Apple and Cheddar Slider
21. Cheese Slider
22. Taco Slider
23. Sausage and Pepper Slider
24. PB&J Slider