blockparty2014cJamestown (CSi) With a slight drizzle, but no heavy rain Thursday evening, a large crow estimated in the hundres gathered in downtown Jamestown for the annual Block Party.

Neither the threat of rain, or the University of Jamestown Jimmies playing at 7-p.m., at VCSU could hold down the crowd (See sports for the game results),

About 100 booths consisting of businesses, churches and other organizations welcomed students and residents.

Each year the the Block Party welcomes University of Jamestown freshmen to town and allows them to network with the community.

The freshmen are required by the university to attend, however many upper class students participate as well.

Co-Chairs and organizers of the Block Party are University of Jamestown Dean of Students, Gary Van Zinderen, and Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, Excutive Lisa Hicks.

 

Previously

Jamestown (CSi) The 2014 Community Block Party “Rock the Block” will be

Thursday, August 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Downtown Jamestown.

At the annual event, booths from businesses, organizations and University groups help welcome to the community, new and returning University of Jamestown students. Over 250 freshmen are required to participate, but many upper-class students will join as well.

This year the students and staff will come down the hill earlier, at about 5:15-p.m., with about 220 freshman class members expected to participate.

This is the first year that the Jimmies will have  a football game the same evening as the block party, with a 7-p.m., kickoff at Valley City State.

On Friday’s Wayne Byers  Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Area  Chamber of Commerce, Executive, Lisa Hicks pointed out,  there  will be about 100 booths set up.

blockparty2014bIn addition to a few blocks of First Avenue are being closed north to the railroad tracks, this year entire block First Street South, between Second Avenue West and Second Avenue East will be closed as well.

Closing some of the streets in the downtown area allows booths to be set up by local businesses, charities, churches and other organizations.

The event features free food, job postings, coupons and activities for adults and children.

22 sponsors have signed up,  that’s up from 12 last year.  She said the sponsor contributions allow the purchase of addtional signage.

Local sponsors support the event costs at about $4,000 that helps pay for name badges, printing, postage, permits for closing the streets and more.

Generally only businesses with a local presence can participate.

Ms. Hicks added that Cavendish Farms gives out free, freshly-made french fries at its booth, and R.M. Stoudt gives away hot dogs.

Some new businesses have also signed up for the party.

Those attending will also be able to purchase food from vendors, when the free offerings run out, offering brats, ice cream and similar fairlike fare.

There will also be a dunk tank, inflatable games, a barrel train and other activities are also planned.

Glassblower, Jon Offutt from Fargo will be on hand with demonstrations, following demonstrations that day at 1-p.m., 2-p.m., and 3-p.m., at the Jamestown Arts Center.

Businesses and clubs use the fair for a variety of purposes, including giving away samples and promoting services but also recruiting new employees and inviting students to join them.