It's much more than a party, but the Rev. Bob Towner says not to disregard the fun.

"Our goals are to become a safe place, a social place, a clean place," said Towner of Christ Episcopal Church and an event organizer. "But I wouldn't want to discount the fun."

Neighborhood Connections is hosting its seventh annual block party Saturday and organizers like Towner are hoping to best last year's record 300 attendance. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at May Greene Park on Fountain Street, which will be closed between Broadway and Themis.

The family-friendly block party will again offer free food provided by organizers and area restaurants. Live music is planned, along with free pony rides, face painting, a clown and visits from Cape Girardeau's fire and police departments. The Discovery Playhouse Children's Museum is also set to provide an activity.

Neighborhood Connections is a private, not-for-profit community development association formed in 2004 that represents an area with boundaries of Spanish, Sprigg, Washington and Independence streets. The purpose of the organization is to engage community residents, businesses, churches and institutions in creating a "thriving, attractive, safe and healthy community," according to literature released by the group.

"Getting people to go out and reclaim the streets is huge," Towner said. "We've organized a Neighborhood Watch, cleanup, reporting nuisances and have good connections with the police department and with the city."

Towner said the organization helps residents of that area, mainly renters and low-income families, feel empowered to use city services and become involved.

"Our group exists to help them feel like they can and show them how and encourage them in meaningful ways," he said.

Another purpose is so neighbors can get to know one another, said Joan Jones, Neighborhood Connections' public relations chairwoman.

"People used to know their neighbors," she said. "They'd walk, sit on their front porch and visit. Now I don't think many of us know our neighbors. It's about building relationships, too."

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Fountain Street and Themis Street, Cape Girardeau, MO