How to Survive Block Party
It’s almost that time of year once again. April 16 marks this year’s Block Party and students are gearing up for the annual weekend of drinking and debauchery. It’s a day that students love and townies hate. Last year’s Block Party saw the end of enclosed party ordinances after the Bloomsburg Town Council voted against allowing permits. Even without permits, Block Party was still in full swing. If you’re new here, a visitor, or just need a refresher on how to survive Block Party then here are a few tips:
- Don’t drink and drive:
This shouldn’t need to be said because I know BU students are a very smart bunch. Either way, if you or any of your friends have been drinking on Block Party then do not operate a vehicle.
There are tons of people walking around town during the day and at night and we don’t need anyone getting hurt or worse. Be smart about it. In general, NEVER drink and drive.
2. Don’t be stupid:
Everyone knows about the infamous BearCat incident from a while back. Crowds got unruly and had to be dispersed with the help of an armored police vehicle. It’s on YouTube if you haven’t seen it. Pictured above is a vehicle like the one used back in 2013. Anyway, don’t cross that line from having fun to just being plain stupid.
We all know how things usually work when everyone goes out on the weekends so stick to that “code” and you’ll be fine. Statistically speaking, only about 20 percent of violations handed out on Block Party are BU students. But hey, let’s not make the police anymore stressed about Block Party than they already may be.
3. Be smart:
Here are a couple of rules for you within this category. First, regarding last year’s Block Party article, if you’re having some sort of house party, you’re legally allowed up to 150 people in your house without needing a permit.
Second, make sure that all the people in your house are people that you know. Things can get stolen or broken in your home if lots of strangers are present. If you don’t know people in your house or would like to have them removed from your house, then you can call the police and they will help you. Be mindful of who comes in your house/apartment. Also, this should go without saying but everyone drinking at your party should be of age to do so.
4. Be respectful:
The town of Bloomsburg is our home for four years and it has a lot of beauty in it. Don’t be the person tossing beer cans down on the street or leaving trash on the ground. Find a trash can or recycle bin and throw your bottles and cans in there. Keep the town clean for ourselves and for those who live here year round.
5. HAVE FUN:
Block Party is a ton of fun, even though it gets a bad rep. All of us Bloomsburg students enjoy being outside, playing some drinking games, and making memories that we may only remember from photos. If you’ve got a group of friends, are smart about what you do, and keep things orderly, then you’ll have a great time.
So, what have we learned? All in all, if you use your head and make good choices, like your parents have always told you to do, Block Party is a blast. It only comes around once a year so you might as well make the most of it. Have a great time, be smart, and Happy Block Party, everyone.
Editor’s Note: As an organization, BUnow encourages only responsible and legal drinking.
