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We run four social events throughout the year. Here's some background on each one:
Adult Social
Sometime during the winter or spring we also try to run an adult social. This event varies each year. In the past we have had private parties at nearby restaurants, a wine tasting party at one of our neighbors' homes, and other socials. It is the only event that is just for the adults. Most people who come to this event seem to appreciate the chance to get together without their children during or just after a long winter. We are always looking for new ideas for the Adult Social.
Block Party
Once the summer is over and the children are back in school, we get together again as a neighborhood for our block party. This event has evolved over the years, but we think we may now have a venue that will last for a few years. The association provides a band, grills, hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and paper goods. Each homeowner brings a salad or dessert to share and a blanket or beach chair. We provide a few activities for the kids such as volleyball and tug-of-war. But for the most part, we let the kids play while we catch up with one another and enjoy the music.
Winter Festival
We close out our year with a very chilly and spirited Winter Festival. As the sun begins to fade on this December afternoon, we line the streets of our neighborhood with white luminaries. We then get together outdoors at our open space area where we are welcomed on a hay ride with Santa Claus as our host. The little (and not so little) kids take a turn sitting on Santa's lap while everyone on board the ride sings Christmas carols. We ask everyone to bring either a treat or jug of hot chocolate to share and when we're not on the hayride, we're huddled together trying to stay warm.
Easter Egg Hunt
During the spring we run an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages eight and under. Each year a family offers to let us use their yard for the hunt. Several days before the event, a group of volunteers get together to stuff candy into plastic Easter eggs. On the day of the Easter Egg Hunt, other volunteers meet to hide the eggs all over the yard. Before the hunt begins, children are divided into three age groups and the youngest ones start their hunt first. Everyone is treated to some snacks and beverages.
Here are some photos from the 2005 hunt.Members of Highland Park Association will hear about these upcoming events through email or by visiting the web site. Please keep in mind that it takes a lot of volunteer work to run each of these events, so please sign up to help whenever you can!