BELLOWS FALLS — The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition and its parent and youth organizers share a jubilant thank you to the many people, businesses, and organizations that contributed to the Park-A-Polooza Neighborhood Block Party on June 29 in Bellows Falls.
Now in its second year, Park-A-Polooza is a community-driven, old school, crazy-fun block party. Through creative play using the games our parents and grandparents taught us, it is another example of community-driven change in action. Community-led activities such as this one build trust and create connection, and inspire a whole lot of laughter.
We thank everyone involved for creating a fun, positive, and meaningful day.
This year's festivities took place at the Central Elementary School playground and included: A potato-sack race, jellybean contest, bicycle-powered smoothies, apple-bob contest, face painting, dodgeball, baseball bat spin-off and a water balloon “throw-down.” Plus, with a little help from our friends at the Bellows Falls Fire & Police Departments, kids (and some adults!) were able to cool off and play around a gushing fire hydrant.
Thanks to our two grill masters, Dominic Pratt and Nathan Elmore, as well as several volunteer chefs, people were able to eat and snack all day long.
Thank you to the following local businesses, community organizations and individuals for your generous contributions that were vital to the day's success: Parks Place, Dari Joy, Lisai's Market, Bellows Falls Boys & Girls Club, the Bellows Falls Community Bike Project, Greater Falls Pharmacy, Rockingham Recreation Center, Hannaford's, and Barbara Stickney.
Finally, thank you to the numerous individuals who volunteered their time and helped to create an energetic, positive vibe throughout the day: Bellows Falls Police Department staff Christine Bullard and Mike Chesanek, Bellows Falls Fire Department staff Tom Friedriksen, Bonnie Anderson, Krystal Urwin, Rose Smith, Jeanette Galpin, Craig Jaques, Jen Provenpal, Mike Malick, and Don Trettler.
The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition works to create a healthy, nurturing, and supportive community. Our mission is to connect the community of Windham Northeast by inspiring and empowering people through education and collaboration to promote wellness and prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.