New Haven Independent

On July 7, it’s merriment time again on Sheffield Avenue in Newhallville!

When my husband and I first moved back to Newhallville (to assist my mother when she initially became disabled), we had no idea how awesome and powerful this neighborhood event would be when we first heard about it.

We later learned that this was definitely not a run of the mill block party. We were surprised by the simple yet fantastic manner in which this event is set-up. Our alderwoman, Alfreda Edwards, organizes the event by getting signatures and informing residents as early as April. The announcement reads “Come Grill With Us.”

The street is closed off by the New Haven police department as participating neighbors set up their grills, chairs, tables, with umbrellas and sometimes tents on the street in front of their individual homes creating a house to house festival type of atmosphere.

Some resident even add welcoming balloons tied to front porches. The games and activities are also set up from house to house. We spend the day visiting from tent to tent or table to table eating and drinking and exchanging stories and the kids move around from game to game.

The biggest draw for the younger folk is the volley ball game set up at the corner of Sheffield and Starr, while the Jumbo Gym set up in front of one neighbor’s home draws a close second.

Last year a neighbor across the street came up with the idea of doing a Sheffield Ave.-styled American Idol competition for children 15 years of age and under. His front porch served as the stage and money collected among neighbors served as the prizes. The kids entertained us with various levels of talent and we selected three winners.

What makes this annual event special is that it serves as a great opportunity to invite friends into the hood to hang out, get a different perspective and enjoy the neighborhood’s personality including the people, great food, music and just plain old-fashioned fun. But most important, this is a day of festivity where neighbors get a chance to socialize and connect with each other and take time to discuss ways we can strengthen our community.

For past editions of Gemma Joseph Lumpkin’s Sheffield Avenue diary, click here, here , here, and here.