Block Party

Another Great South Marshall Street Block Party

Thanks to the Power of Community Collaboration
Block Party

HARTFORD – On July 29, the 11th Annual South Marshall Street Block Party brought together a diverse community in fun and fellowship. Over 600 residents came out to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon. Volunteers from The Salvation Army’s Marshall House, Aetna, South Marshall Street Interfaith Coalition, Catholic Charities, The Hartford Project, and more collaborated to organize and host another fun-filled event. Support from the Greater Hartford Arts Council also helped to make this event a tremendous success.

Block Party

Many groups, including: Aetna and The Hartford helped to collect and/or distribute 100 bikes to lucky children. Delicious ethnic cuisine, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, watermelon, salad, and cookies were served from the food tables, while ice-cold refreshments came from The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Service Canteen. There were also continuous lines for the always-popular cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn.

Block Party

For fun, there was a bounce obstacle course and castle; trackless train rides; sprinkler; basketball; carnival games and prizes; and information tables, each with activities from face painting to scavenger hunts, for numerous organizations, churches, and nonprofits; in addition to local entertainment emceed by Tanisha Doogin of HartBeat Ensemble. Many children also received new summer reading via books collected and/or distributed by the South Windsor Library, Immanuel and Trinity Churches, and the Interfaith Coalition. Police were also busy with bike distribution, including helmets purchased by Aetna; security; and introducing children to their friendly horses also in attendance.

Block Party

The South Marshall Street Block Party is a free event in Hartford, Connecticut, for neighbors on South Marshall and its adjacent streets. Originating in front of The Salvation Army’s Marshall House Family Shelter, over the years it has now grown to encompass almost all of South Marshall Street.

Block Party

Elaborating on its purpose, Sandy Barry, Housing Stabilization Coordinator for The Salvation Army, commented, “This event not only allows Marshall House to let its neighbors know they are appreciated, but it also promotes positive fellowship in an area of Hartford that was at one time seen as violent and unsafe. It is a time where local residents from many different cultures and backgrounds gather, have fun, and feel safe. The same partners that plan and contribute to the event are also responsible for the neighborhood’s continued overall improvement, from building new housing to planning for a future community playground.”

Block Party

Happy children and families from numerous cultural backgrounds were everywhere, laughing, dancing, and talking to one another like one big happy family. Even children who did not speak the same language were seen smiling and playing games together, trading prizes they won, and enjoying snacks. Many local residents expressed their gratitude for this annual event that multiple hands and God helped to make possible. In the end, the take-home message was once again that this neighborhood is cared for thanks to many great community partners.