Briarwood Area ~ Since 1997 ~
Neighborhood Association
Little Rock's Second Safest Neighborhood
54 Attend BANAs
2008 Spring Block Party
Both entrances to Sandpiper Circle were blocked off at their Hughes Street intersections as the Briarwood Area Neighborhood Association [BANA] held their Spring, 2008 block party from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2008, among the trees in the Sandpiper Circle median. There arose a continuous steam of conversation at the party and it didn't end until well after 6:00 o'clock.
Many thought this was one of BANAs best block parties. Everybody seemed to have brought tables and folding chairs so there were plenty of places to sit. And, the trees provided welcome shade during the afternoon's heat. Both the grass had been freshly mowed and the trees were trimmed by Bill Cato who calls himself Mayor of Sandpiper Circle. And, finally, it didn't rain.
Setting Up for the Party
There was a lot of setting up to be done. This is a picture of people figuring out where the buffet tables were to go and bringing in card tables and folding chairs.
At this point everything was totally disorganized and impromptu, but everybody pitched in and helped.
It was a great coming together, which is what really makes a good party.
Chef Rex Easter Readies the Hot Dogs
While BANA President Jay Atkins practiced football passes in the background, BANA Director Rex Easter took charge of the grill and filled it with rows of hot dogs. Note the professional smile on Rex's face. He was, indeed, BANAs chef extraordinaire.
The grill was generously loaned to BANA for the block party by Julie Naylor of Sandpiper Circle.
A Look Down the Buffet Tables
When Rex started pulling the hot dogs off the grill, a line quickly formed at the east end of the buffet tables.
In this picture you see BANA President Jay Atkins selecting a just-grilled hot dog from the warming tray while others wait to get to the hot dog fixings on the next table.
Actually, BANA President Atkins chose the spot for the block party, was first on the scene to close off the street and then helped set up the buffet tables for the party.
A Look at the Other End of the Buffet
Looking at the buffet tables from the west end, salads, cheese dip, potato chips and tasty desserts were visible in abundance. More than one party-goer was noticed having two hot dogs followed by two desserts. But that's okay -- BANA block parties only happen twice a year.
The people in the foreground are choosing to sit at one of the nearby card tables under the trees.
The Block Party Began to Resemble
An Outdoor Cafe
As the tables filled up, one after the other, the block party more and more began to resemble an outdoor cafe, with each table situated between two trees, providing a semi-private niche.
Note all the empty chairs available for party-goers to sit in. It was one of the things that made this block party so much fun.
A Panoramic View of the Block Party
Here's another view of how the tables at the block party were arranged. Virtually everyone who chose to sit in the shade was able to do so.
Because of an almost complete absence of noise, there was a lot of chatting at each table, neighbors getter better acquainted with each other.
In Spite of All the Tables,
There was a Lot of Table Hopping
As you can see in this picture, a lot of party goers went from one table to the next, meeting strangers and making friends.
One of the table hoppers was BANA Director Michele Easter who came with her daughter, Megan, and a thermal bag filled with ice-cold popsicles to give away. Treats like that helped make the day all the more special.
Shade - Wonderful Shade
In spite of the tasty hot dogs and yummy treats, the best part of this block party was lounging in the shade, getting to know one another better and then moving on.
Thanks go to BANA Treasurer Betty Danley who brought the hot dogs and fixings, BANA Director Denise Anderson who organized the block party flier distribution and all the BANA members who walked the neighborhood helping to distribute the fliers and talking up the party. Working together like this to create a better neighborhood is what BANA is all about.
A Close-Up View of the Block Party
This is a picture looking through one of the trees at the next tables, while incessant chatter went on. Everybody who came seemed to have had a wonderful time. If you missed this party, check the BANA Event Calendar <click here> to keep up with the next block party and other interesting, scheduled neighborhood events.