More than 3,000 people gathered at Hagerstown City Park on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for Bester Community of Hope’s 11th Annual South End Community Block Party. Families spent the afternoon enjoying live music, exploring family-friendly activities, and connecting with organizations that serve the community.

The South Hagerstown High School Band kicked off the celebration once again, bringing energy to the park as the day got underway. The music continued with Milk Mountain taking the stage to perform covers of rock and pop favorites from the ’70s through the 2000s. A DJ and dance floor kept the energy going, while a photo booth gave families a chance to capture a few memories from the day.

Connecting families with resources has always been at the heart of the South End Community Block Party, and this year, 47 community organizations joined the celebration. Families had access to information and support related to healthcare, mental and behavioral health, early childhood and family services, education, housing, financial services, substance use and recovery, basic needs, and more. Bringing these organizations together in one place gave families an opportunity to make connections and learn more about the support available to them in the community.

One of the biggest highlights for families this year was the addition of Award Beauty School, whose students kept busy providing free haircuts, braids, nail services, and face painting throughout the event. Joint Training Facility (JTF) also returned this year, bringing activities for children and families to enjoy. The Hagerstown Police Department’s K-9 demonstration drew a crowd for a chance to see the K-9 team in action. Lovey’s food truck was also on site, giving families a place to grab something to eat between activities.

As the Block Party has grown, it has remained a day for South End families to spend time together, make connections, and celebrate their neighborhood. We are grateful to the sponsors and community partners who helped make this year’s celebration possible, and to every vendor, volunteer, and performer who contributed their time. Most of all, thank you to the families and neighbors who came out and made the 11th Annual South End Community Block Party a day to remember.

Bester Community of Hope is a community-driven initiative of San Mar Family & Community Services, focused on supporting and strengthening families in the South End of Hagerstown. Its holistic, prevention-first approach is made possible through strong partnerships with the Maryland Governor’s Office of Children, Washington County Department of Social Services, and the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation.

To learn more about Bester Community of Hope and its work to build a thriving South End, visit www.besterhope.org.

The Governor’s Office for Children funded this project under award number 2026- ENGH-003. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.

Photography provided by Evermoore Artistry.