Cory Neighborhood Block Party Information

Many streets in Cory Neighborhood having been throwing block parties for years. Several experienced party-planning neighbors have given great advice for having a successful event.

What You Need for a Block Party (It's as easy as 1-2-3!)

1. People
First, you need to get interest brewing and recruit several neighbors with diverse skills. Ask the elementary teacher to organize a few children's activities; recruit the expert backyard bbq'ing dad to head up the food; solicit the marketing executive to line up the entertainment and invite the Fire Department to visit with their truck. Having a small group of neighbors heading up the organization makes for a fun social time, and spreads the work around. And don't forget to recruit a cleanup crew!
2. Signed petition -- (Download a copy here)
The city requires a petition signed by all the residents whose houses will be within the closed-off part of the street. Note that the city does not require all residents participating in the event to sign the petition, just those who will be blocked by the barricades.
3. Block Party Permit Application -- (Download a copy here)
A Block Party Permit Application needs to be obtained from the San Jose Police Department (277-4452). The application and petition need to be received by the police department via mail no later than 15 days prior to the event.

City Requirements for Block Parties

Permit Costs

Permits are $95 for the initial permit, and $95 if renewed after more than a year has passed. However, if you host the second year's event within one year of the initial application, the fee is waived. No fee will be charged after the initial $95 if you always renew within one year.

Partial Cost Reimbursement

Cory Neighborhood Association has $150 block party grants available to cover much of your cost. Paper goods, children's craft supplies, drinks and food are a great use of the funds. Please note the grants do not cover the city permit fees or hiring of entertainers, so a hat should be passed to reimburse those costs. Receipts are required for all grant fund reimbursements. (Download a reimbursement form here)

Tips for successful block parties

Several neighbors recommended organizing a potluck. A great way of dividing the meal is by house number -- odd house numbers are in charge of salad or dessert, and even house numbers are in charge of main dishes. Some neighbors have a communal barbeque where everyone brings their favorite meat. Or try purchasing hamburger patties and hot dogs in bulk and cooking them up camp-out style.

Activities and entertainment can include a children's bike parade, bobbing for apples, a family relay race, a Jell-O eating contest, a kid's jumping house, a balloon artist or clown, or even a band. Another neighborhood success has been to invite our city councilman Ken Yeager to the block party. Ken Yeager and his staff assistant Megan Doyle can be reached at 277-5166. Councilman Yeager always loves a neighborhood party, and it is a great way for neighbors to connect with the city.

Many thanks to our party-planning neighbors Richard Osburn, Claudia Silva, Nancy Clemons, and Claudie Leece for their great ideas.