Extra Big Block Party

United Way is throwing a family party with a purpose

Tom Giffey |

Rockin’ out at the 2014 Community Block Party
Rockin’ out at the 2014 Community Block Party.

The United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley is stretching the definition of “block party” a little bit. OK, more than a little bit. Instead of just inviting a few neighbors, the United Way is throwing a shindig for everybody in the area it serves – Eau Claire and Chippewa counties – at Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park on Saturday, Sept. 12. This isn’t just a picnic: It’s a daylong family festival with tons of games, food, entertainment – and more! “We wanted one community event that was an all-ages, family-friendly celebration of education, income, and health, which is what we’re focused on, but that could also be a benefit to the community,” explains James Peters, the United Way’s marketing director. To meet that goal, the event will feature three “zones” of providers and agencies addressing education, income, and health. Families will find everything from early childhood development screenings to financial counseling to health assessments – all of it free. There will be plenty of fun, of course, including musician/mayhem maker Dave Rudolph and magician, juggler, and comedian Bob Kann, plus storytime theater presentations by the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. In other words, you’ll want to block off some time for this party.

United Way Community Block Party • Saturday, Sept. 12, 11am-5pm • Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls • additional parking in Marshall Park lot on Bridgewater Street • FREE • www.uwgcv.org/block-party