Neighbors gathered throughout the Hill on October 3 to celebrate National Night Out. Multiple block captains hosted block parties, including get-togethers on Elizabeth, Botanical, Daggett and Wilson Avenues and in the LaCollina development. At least one other party took place the following Tuesday and several blocks gathered on Halloween night, closing off their streets and celebrating the holiday with food, drink and trick-or-treating.
National Night Out is an annual evening of block parties across the City of St. Louis. The night is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit by bringing neighbors together and fostering police-community partnership. Many cities across the country celebrate the event in August. Neighborhoods throughout the City celebrate the night on the first Tuesday of October. On that day the City waives street blocking permit fees for those hosting NNO parties.
All parties on the Hill featured food and drink, while several hosted music. Officer Robert Skaggs stopped by blocks who requested a police presence. At least one party involved multiple blocks and Tom Jegle served food from his New York Tom’s food truck at another. Block captains reported participation ranging from a dozen neighbors to several parties having more than 30 neighbors, including just short of 40 folks at LaCollina’s inaugural gathering.
Block parties are an integral part of growing a safe and secure neighborhood. These gatherings provide an opportunity for neighbors to mingle, break bread and get to know each other outside the ordinary bustle of life. Block captains play an integral part in the success of these gatherings, typically organizing and communicating with their neighbors about events on their block.
We need you. We have more than 45 block captains serving our community. But, we have more than 100 blocks throughout the Hill. Interested in helping bring your block together? Please reach out to: blockcaptains@hill2000stl.org or safety@hill2000stl.org.
