A community group is inviting people to Cape Girardeau's downtown in an effort to create a lasting bond between neighbors.

Neighborhood Connections will host its 9th annual Block Party, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday by the May Green Garden Park and Christ Episcopal Church of Cape Girardeau, on Fountain Street between Broadway and Themis Street.

There is no cost for admission and all activities and food -- including a barbecue picnic -- will be free.

According to the Rev. Bob Towner of Christ Episcopal Church, attendees can, "expect to see neighbors, hear good music and eat to their hearts' content."

Activities will include face painting, pony rides, sidewalk chalk art, a hula-hoop contest and games. A fire engine, Tae Kwon Do demonstration by Matt Slinkard and a visit from Tracker of the Southeast Missourian Jr. also are planned.

"It is fun to get out and see the folks in the neighborhood," said organizer Joan Jones.

The Rev. Towner said food will be from local restaurants and groups. Port Cape Girardeau will serve barbecue, Broussard's will provide Cajun food and the men of Christ Episcopal Church will grill hamburgers and hot dogs and make red beans and rice.

The mobile food bank will be giving away a week's worth of groceries to the first 300 families in attendance.

The event is sponsored by St. Mark Lutheran Church of Cape Girardeau, Christ Episcopal Church and the Southeast Missouri Food Bank.

"We are interested in people knowing their neighbors, spending time with their neighbors and feeling a sense of connection and belonging to their neighborhood," Towner said. "This has been fun over the years and is quite a happening."

Hundreds took part in last year's Block Party and organizers are expecting another good turnout.

"We're hoping for another gorgeous day," the Rev. Towner said.

Neighborhood Connections is a not-for-profit community-development group and neighborhood watch. It was founded to help landlords and tenants make their neighborhoods better places to live and work.

Neighborhood Connections meets on the third Thursday of the month at 5:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Episcopal Church. Anyone who lives in the area is invited to join. For more information contact 651-4567.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent addresses:

101 North Fountain St, Cape Girardeau, MO