hotgogobot

I was telling DH that I wish we knew more of the neighbors. I know there are a lot of kids C's age in the neighborhood, but we only sporadically run into them at the park. I don't know where they live, what their names are... Should I host an ice cream social in the park? I was thinking about printing up fliers and walking them around the neighborhood. I figure it wouldn't cost too much to get a bunch of ice cream and cones from Costco. Nothing fancy, just come have ice cream in the park on a Saturday. And I'd make DH scoop so I could be free to chat everyone up.

Also, do you think I need a permit to do that. There isn't a pavilion or anything, just one picnic table and a bench.

Lynni

E, I think it is a cute idea. Check with the city, I'm not sure if you need a permit or not.

ThatSuzyGirl

I think as long as the city doesn't catch wind of it, you're fine. We're planning a block party on our street and they have an 8 week wait for the permit! ACK!
I like your idea but I wonder if people might need to become more invested to show? Maybe getting someone on board with you to co host?
And for the love of god, avoid Craig's mom if you can.
Suzy

i_used_to_be_cool

I think that's fantastic! Can I be your neighbor? Seriously, that's a great simple way to get the neighbors together.

hotgogobot

I think I've had a couple conversations with her. She walks to the park sometimes. I think she might be one of those people who are innocuous to strangers. Must remain a stranger!

ETA: My first thought was a block party, but I can't organize all that. And how big is a block! I'm having a hard time figuring out where to draw the boundaries for the fliers!

ThatSuzyGirl

Good plan. Good, good, good plan! Her husband was a murderer and her pastor sold drugs to small children...heaven only knows that you guys have done wrong!
Suzy

Eleni

I think it's a nice idea too, I don't see why you'd need a permit, don't people do picnics at US parks all the time?

OTOH I don't know how you guys do it...meeting people this way that is. How do you know that the kids/moms that will show up are actually people you have something in common with, that you'll like them and want to spend more time with them? I mean, if you're the one inviting then you're sort of on the spot. If a mom decided she wants to befriend you and you decide she's really not your type how do you avoid her after this. It is you who made the first step, how do you back off? It is totally different if you meet in neutral ground (say a neighborhood event) and if you click together you exchange numbers etc.

Don't get me wrong, I know you guys network in different ways than we do here (perhaps we don't network?)...so I'm just curious how things work out so well. I would never dare do it for fear I'll end up hanging out with a group I can't stand. I'm pretty picky that way.

I do know though that it was much easier to befriend neighbors in Chicago than I ever did in Athens. In my building there were fun people, of similar age/interests/hobbies, similar education etc...No families in my building. But that's because a lot of young people live on their own there whereas in Greece they mostly live with their families. Anywhere I look around me here is families, completely different in composition. I guess the fact that we all live mostly in apartment buildings makes things more impersonal too. My old neighborhood was more of a hood, two story homes etc...and yet I really didn't like/care to get to know anyone or their kids better.

Anyway, I guess I got carried away in my thoughts...It just interests me how things work in different culture and why is it that some things wouldn't work here the same way.

Cynthia

I think it sounds like a fun idea! As for the permit, it doesn't seem like it would be a big enough party to warrant one. The thought wouldn't have even occurred to me with something like this. Let us know what you decide!!!

.

bls05

I say go for it!

mclisa

That sounds like fun! I wouldn't think you would need a permit. People have picnics/family gatherings at the parks all the time around here. If you were selling it, you might have trouble, but that's not the case.