St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold will hold its annual block party this weekend.
The public is invited to the party, which will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the church, 3517 Jeffco Blvd. Admission is free.
“We started the block party to serve the community,” said Rebecca Kaye, the church’s administrative and ministry assistant. “People call frequently asking if we are going to have it again. We love having the opportunity to get to know the people in our community, welcome them and have a wonderful time of followship.”
The evening will feature carnival-style games, an inflatable house, slide and obstacle course, pony rides, facepainting and free food and beverages.
“We will serve hot dogs, popcorn, popsicles, soda and water,” Kaye said. “There will be a lot of games and prizes. The big slide and obstacle course are a ton of fun, and facepainting is always a huge hit.”
Kaye said members of the Lutheran South High School band will perform during the event, as will the Applebaums and the Acoustic Duo.
“People love it,” she said of the musical performances. “We have a lot of chairs set up where they perform. People can grab their free food, and they sit and visit. It attracts a lot of parents of kids in the Lutheran South band. I think it adds a fun element to the party.”
Kaye said a quiet area will be set up at the event for children who may become overwhelmed with the amount of noise or activity.
“There will be noise-canceling headphones and activities for children to do,” she said.
The block party will end with a seven-to-10-minute fireworks display. Church member Ron Carr runs the display, Kaye said.
“It is so fun,” she said of the fireworks display. “It is a great start to the summer. It gets everyone to stay, and it is an ‘aww’ moment. It is fun for everyone to experience together.”
Kaye said the block party is a great way for the church to spend time with community members.
“I have two little children, and they have a blast running around with their friends from school,” she said. “I get to visit with parents and meet new people. I think it is cool when we are cleaning up after it’s over and everyone pitches in. For me, that is really inspiring to see the community work together.”
For more information, visit sjlarnold.org or call 636-464-0096.