Neighborhood Block Party a Lesson for College Students

In a lot of ways, the annual East Williams Street Block Party is just like a lot of other big neighborhood parties around Kent.

It's got music. There's alcohol and free food. And partygoers fill the street for several hours on a Saturday to enjoy good friends and good weather.

But it's also very different from most other big parties in Kent.

The organizers file for a block party permit with the city, so they get to legally close down the street.

The music is live — not pumped through crackling, distortion-filled speakers — from the likes of local acts Rio Neon, Root Doctor and Sam Lasko.

The food is free, provided via dishes brought by partygoers.

And the alcohol is consumed in moderation.

You won't find police in riot gear putting a stop to this block party.

Instead you'll find an event essentially organized by families, who create an atmosphere that welcomes all ages — from pigtails on bicycles to gray-haired folks enjoying the view from their porch. Neighbors come together to help set up, tear down and clean up afterwards.

This year's event marked the sixth annual block party on East Williams Street between Vine and South DePeyster streets and was held on Saturday. Here's just a few of the comments left on the party's Facebook page by those who attended:

"Great party and awesome music. Thanks for a great evening."

"Great block party!! My family and I had a great time. It's so nice to know there are so many great people in my neighborhood!"

Now that students are back for classes at Kent State University, and drinking on the front porch or yard is a common Saturday night scene, maybe the younger folks can take a tip from their neighbors.