Nate the Great fashions a balloon animal at the 2024 Brookfield Public Library Block Party. Nate will be back when the library holds another block party on June 21.
Brookfield Branch Library’s first Grove Street Block Party last year attracted 300 people who walked through the doors of the library and uncounted others who just browsed the car show or the touch-a-truck.
It was a good first year for the event, said library Director Amanda Murphy.
“We want this to be an annual event for the community, just give people something to do at the beginning of the summer,” she said. “Were hoping to build upon this over the years.”
The next block party, a free event, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21. Grove Street between Route 7 and Bedford Road will be closed to general traffic.
The biggest new addition this year is a “mess-tival.” Children’s librarian Tawnee Day is planning to set up kiddie pools filled with sand, dirt and water and toys for kids to play in them with. Kids can also blow bubbles, get into water fights and chalk on the sidewalks.
DJ Mike Hammond will play tunes all day, food vendors will be on hand – the library’s multi-purpose room will provide space to sit down and eat – and Nate the Great will make balloon animals for the kids from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
For those who want indoor entertainment, ukulele lady Paulette Darko will play popular tunes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Outback Ray will break out an assortment of exotic animals at 2:30 p.m. Community groups will have information booths.
The first 50 people who bring their rides to the car show will get goody bags and their cars will be judged.
The Brookfield Township trustees will hold Talk with a Trustee, an informal meeting where residents can ask questions or state opinions, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Parking will be available at the library and Brookfield United Methodist Church.
Financial assistance for the Grove Street Block Party has been provided in memory of Roger Stowers II and by the Friends of the Brookfield Library.
The library staff was assisted by township Trustee Shannon Devitz and school Community Liaison Sabbrina Landers in organizing the event, and Murphy said the block party is a complement to the Warrior Nation Community Summerfest set for Aug. 10 at Brookfield schools.
“We’re kind of bookending the summer with these events,” she said.
