Nothing brings out the Mayberry feel of Burlingame like a neighborhood block party. Some are big, some smaller. Some have garage bands from the street. Some just plug in a stereo. Bouncy houses are practically a requirement as are grills and dogs going for the hot dog that was dropped.
Farringdon Lane did it up right on Saturday with everything I mentioned and then some including a custom T-shirt for the event. It also doesn't hurt to have a couple of professional chefs on the street.
I love the message on this year's Farringdon T-shirt--no need for a "?" -- they know they've got neighbors.
From today's San Mateo County Times, it appears that bouncy houses like the one at the Farringdon Ln block party may be headed for a green light at city parks:
"Inflatable jump houses — the jiggly, giant balloonlike structures in which kids can leap to their heart's content — have increased in popularity as families seek affordable birthday party options. Their delivery, installation and rental costs are often as low as $100.
The bounce houses have become so popular, in fact, that Burlingame officials soon may lift the city's long-held ban on using the apparatuses in city parks. The parks and recreation commission is expected to recommend next month that the City Council change the Burlingame code to lift the ban, the origin of which is unknown to Parks and Recreation Director Jim Skeels."
I'm not sure this will amount to much revenue, but the article goes on to note:
"Skeels said he does not know why the ban was put in place but suspects it may have to do with a fear that the equipment could cause damage to the parks. Lofky said the bounce houses sometimes cause a patted-down effect on grass for the rest of the day but leave no lasting effect. They can use hand trucks to transport the houses on grass, he said.
And Burlingame, which just had a $4 million budget deficit and has been looking for new sources of revenue, would collect a user fee each time it allows a jump house in a park, Skeels said."
Posted by: Joe | August 31, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Wow! We went to another great block party today on Bernal. Not one, but two bouncy houses including a bouncy water-slide and smoked salmon, pork and duck. The ante is being raised for Hale's block party tomorrow.
Posted by: Joe | September 06, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Some time ago, I really needed to buy a house for my organization but I didn't earn enough money and couldn't buy something. Thank goodness my friend suggested to take the business loans at trustworthy bank. Thus, I acted so and was happy with my term loan.
Posted by: CatherineBlackwell26 | April 05, 2010 at 05:42 AM