Brookfield Block Party Surplus Funds Six Local Groups After Record Attendance

BROOKFIELD, CT — Brookfield’s annual Block Party delivered more than festival fun this year—it generated a record $9,600 in profits, which the Economic Development Committee distributed to six local organizations at a Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday, July 7.

Greg Dembowski, the town’s community development specialist, reported the success to the Board, noting that this year’s event drew about 900 attendees and featured a record 64 vendors, live music, and food trucks along Old Route 7. With strong community support and favorable weather, organizers were at capacity prior to the event, he said.

EDC Chairman Jim Fisher and Vice‑Chair Pete Gerardi presented the following awards:

• Candlewood Fire Company: $2,500
• Brookfield Library: $1,500
• Parks and Recreation: $1,500
• Brookfield High School Robotics Team: $500 (first-time awardee)
• Scouts America Troop 135: $500 (first-time awardee)—accepting the check was Committee Chair Jason Mastropaolo, who praised the scouts’ "fantastic community spirit and enthusiasm."
• Brookfield Garden Club: $500 (first-time awardee)

In addition, the Block Party Committee contributed $1,500 to sponsor Brookfield’s inaugural Restaurant Week kick-off event.

This year’s profits grew from about $8,750 in 2024, when the event attracted more than 1,200 people and closed a section of Old Route 7 for festivities. That surplus was also distributed among local groups and civic efforts.

Organizers said that the event’s success was driven by strong planning, dedicated volunteers, and good weather.

Looking ahead, the Block Party Committee aims to refine the layout for next year—clustering similar vendors and creating a defined food court area based on attendee feedback

The 900-strong turnout included residents visiting community booths like the Lions Club and enjoying family-friendly programming, marking yet another step in Brookfield’s growing tradition of vibrant local gatherings.