4th of July Block Party Recap
By Donna Sievers
At the end of the day, what was important about celebrating the Bluff Heights 4th of July Block Party this year? Let me count the ways…(from “How Do I Love You” from Elizabeth Barrett Browning).
How Do I Love You, Let Me Count the Ways…
- Approximately 400 residents enjoyed a full day of events which included our popular Cake Walk, water balloon toss and Chili contest. The raffle and silent auction were so successful!
- Over 30 residents donated cakes for the Cake Walk which means that Bluff Heights can donate $200 to Horace Mann Elementary School.
- Approximately 15 residents donated pots of veggie and meat chili for the Chili Contest.
- This year, volunteers received a free lunch and a Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association apron.
- Participants who purchased $20 worth of raffle tickets won a free Buff Heights tote bag.
- 50 participants were able to take home a thriving tomato plant which will bring nutrition and a planting experience to our community.
- Free hot dog lunches for kids and seniors were provided.
- Kids activities included face painting, 4th of July wreath making, creative painting, ring toss, hula hoop and other fun activities.
- Pet Parade participants enjoyed a donation of chicken treats from TC Raw Eats.
- The Kevin Land Band wowed us with music throughout the day.
- The water balloon toss continued to be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
- The wonderful bike parade.
- A shout out to our new Uncle Sam & Board Secretary, Chris Hogan AND ceremony opening with our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner sung by Lee Apel!
- Let’s give praiseto our neighborhood tree caring & charismatic Vince Jordan, who volunteered as Emcee.
- The VW Van attended for all of us nostalgic campers and ice cream sandwiches and drumsticks were such a hit!
- The Port of Long Beach sponsored our event. Thank You!
- Cindy Allen, Vice-Mayor of the City of Long Beach, sponsored our event. Thank You!
- The City of Long Beach sponsored our event. Thank You!
- Theresa on 3rd Street sponsored our event. Thank You!
- Anderson Realty sponsored our event. Thank You!
- Ocean Blvd. Team-Stephen Sutton sponsored our event. Thank You!
- Thank you to all the sponsors who donated items for the silent auction and raffle:
John Thomas Queen Mary Tour for 4
Tru Nature
Gallagher's Pub & Grill
TC Raw Eats
Flamin Curry Restaurant
La Parolaccia Restaurant
The Wild Chive Restaurant
Naples Rib Joint
The Wine Crush
Bliss on Broadway
The Attic Restaurant
The Wine Country
Bembridge House Private Tour
Gusto Bread
Alder & Sage
The Art Theatre
J.W. Goodson Salon
TrunkShop Apparel
LaMon Desserts and Pastries
Donna and Lee Sievers
Sandy Winkler
Jug Band Coffee and Tea
Kitchen Lingo
Songbird
Hot Stuff
23. All the equipment (including set-up and tear-down) sponsored by John Brown—Thank You!
24. Two food vendors provided a variety of delicious food for purchase this year.
25. Well, I save the best for last. Here is a touching, true story…. At the Cake Walk, a young 4 or 5 year old girl was so sad that she did not win that she started to cry. Her parents comforted her, and then the young boy, who actually did win the cake for that round, well…he saw the little girl crying and just walked right up to her and presented her with the cake that he had just won. Both sets of parents witnessed this sweet moment and I think we all should applaud that young man who expressed his empathy and sweet nature by sharing his cake prize with the young girl. The epitome of kindness and empathy was the highlight of my day and the most important reason why I love the 4th of July on Vista Street.
A very special thank you to the Bluff Heights Board, the many volunteers and supporters who make this event possible. Please let us know if you would also like to volunteer next year. We need YOU! It really does take a village and we need you next year.
We so appreciate your volunteer participation and support!
Successful events like this are made possible through generous individual donations.
Please consider a donation to BHNA.
We're looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
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