Hagerstown City Park was the site of the 9th annual South End Community Block Party this past Saturday, September 21, 2024. Bester Community of Hope, an initiative of San Mar Family and Community Services, and in collaboration with Hagerstown City Parks and Recreation’s Fall Fest, hosted a day filled with free, family-friendly activities and events capped off in the evening by a fireworks display. The event welcomed approximately 2000 people during the 4-hour celebration. “I look forward to this event every year! I know this will be a day my daughter and I can enjoy spending time together and having fun,” offered Chris, a longtime South End resident.
Cruel Summer, a live band tribute to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, headlined the event playing over 2 hours of the greatest Taylor Swift’s songs. Over 40 resource vendors attended, providing vital community resources focusing on health, early childhood education, community services, and childcare. Again this year, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Families Helping Families joined forces to provide a free clothing giveaway, while Deirdre “Mama Dee” Norris, the founder of the local non-profit It’s A Blessing To Be A Blessing, graciously provided attendees with snacks, school supplies and hygiene bags. Joint Training Facility returned with their inflatable laser and archery tag activities and the day even saw Lego Man join in on the fun of families creating long-lasting memories. New to Block Party this year was the South Hagerstown High School Marching Band, who kicked off the event marching through the park and offering guests a chance to hear several songs from their ensemble.
Maggie, a South End Neighborhood Ambassador, reflected on her first South End Community Block Party, “The Block Party was an incredible experience. As a first-time attendee and volunteer, I felt so much pride in being a part of the Hagerstown community. The generosity of the vendors, the appreciation from the community, and the all-around warmth that the community members shared with one another filled my heart. I had no idea how many different support systems were already in place and ready for those in need. The food, music, laughter, and community connections I witnessed during the event reinforced my love for this quaint town. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Hagerstown community and Bester Community of Hope. I am already looking forward to next year’s event!”
Bester Community of Hope is a community initiative of San Mar Family & Community Services, focused on strengthening and improving outcomes for families who live in the South End of Hagerstown, Maryland. This effort is made possible by the significant support and collaboration of the Washington County Department of Social Services, and their focus on prevention and upstream efforts as a way to make a collective impact for families. Strategic neighborhood programs and efforts are made possible by philanthropic support from the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. For more information about this holistic approach to supporting families and communities, please visit www.besterhope.org.
