What a well-organized, well-orchestrated and fun block party we had on Park Slope’s Third Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) today.

It began with an  inflatable space walk, which delighted the children for hours. Later FDNY’s Squad 1 stopped by in a firetruck. The firefighters were wonderful and the kids had a blast climbing on the truck, pretending to drive it, playing with the hose, and posing for pictures.

An open sprinkler was a perfect way to cool off on a humid afternoon. Later in the day there was a pet show and a game of musical chairs.

Throughout the day, neighbors set up stoop sales, barbecues and picnics. In the evening my building got in on the act, and one family made delicious Korean barbecue ribs, burgers and corn on the cob and shared their bounty with everyone.

Gratitude to the block party organizers for making this such a special day on Third Street.

It was interesting for me to observe today’s block party. I say “observe” because as a parent of older children, I felt a little on the periphery because a block party is a child-centered activity and I, alas, am no longer the mother of young children.

A variety of thoughts and feelings fluttered within me throughout the day. One was regret, because my children never got to enjoy a block party on our block. Watching the young children barreling down the middle of the street on bikes and scooters, interacting with neighborhood firefighters, and jumping in and out of an open fire hydrant made me pine.

Too bad my kids didn’t have a day without traffic on Third Street.

I felt old and acutely aware of the passage of time because my kids, ages 15 and 21, are growing up and no longer a part of this street’s street life. Our years of hanging out on the block are over. For the most part, I am happy about that as we spent PLENTY of time sitting in our front yard. Still, it brought up feelings of loss for me.

I didn’t realize quite how many children live on this block. It’s really quite amazing. Young neighbors are just beginning their lives as parents on this street I call home. Funny to be done with those years of my life. But you know what they say, that’s life.

At 8PM, the street returned to normal. The garbage can blockade was removed, and cars were allowed back on the street. The end of a playful urban day without cars on Third Street and the flurry of feelings it brought up.

See: http://onlytheblogknowsbrooklyn.com/2012/07/14/why-is-this-our-first-block-party/