Sheldon Street's First Annual Block Party

Did you happen to be one of the many attendees of the first annual Sheldon Street block party in June?

You have Fox Point residents Joe Conti, Andria Grant, Paul Murphy and Jess Navas to thank. 

What was once a long-chatted-about dream became a reality when Joe Conti stepped up to secure the Special Event/Use Permit from the city. Once secured, each neighbor stepped up to contribute and bring their own flair. Joe Conti was tasked with keeping the coalition focused and on-task, despite plenty of moving parts. His idea of asking neighbors to come ready to share the particular history of their own Sheldon Street home turned out to be a huge success, and gave attendees plenty to chat about. Andria Grant pulled an all-nighter to create a beautiful and classic hand-painted Sheldon Street Block Party banner. She also managed to secure a band: Blue Drew and the Magoos, and create fun activities for the kids, which included water balloon events and crafts. Paul Murphy and his family all jumped in to assist: his daughters were in charge of face-painting while simultaneously running a lemonade stand, the proceeds from which went to the Providence Animal Rescue League. Jess Navas served as event hostess and poured drinks in special commemorative cups of her own design. The bright yellow cups read “Pedroso Way: The Only Way” in honor of the late Manny Pedroso, husband to wife Maria.

The Block Party connected neighbors old and new. Note the hand-painted banner by Andria Grant.

The block party also included grilled dishes by the Portuguese American Social Club, offerings of plant cuttings, and detailed and brightly colored chalk drawings by neighborhood kids that ran up and down the block. 

Conversation and good will flowed at this special event. The ingredients seemed simple but the results were extraordinary. Don’t miss the Sheldon Street Block Party when it inevitably returns next year: opportunities like these are precious for building a community Fox Pointers can relish and rely on.

As the sign in Navas’ window says: What would Jane Jacobs Do?