By Justin Criado

Manchester will welcome the return of the Manchester Community Block Party Saturday, July 18 from 12-7:30 p.m. The event will occur by Manchester Field, at the corner of N. Franklin and Fulton Streets.  Festivities will include live music, barbecue, bounce house, games, raffles, and more, according to a press release.

The project is a cooperative effort between LaShawn Burton-Faulk of Manchester Citizens Corporation (MCC) and the Browne Leadership Fellows program at the University of Pittsburgh. The Sprout Fund, through partnership with the Buhl Foundation, piloted their One Northside Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant program throughout Pittsburgh’s Northside this spring. The Manchester community received funding for various community projects, including the block party.

MCC and the Browne Fellows are utilizing grassroots methods to organize the event and engage the community.

“While canvassing, people seem really excited,” Marcus Robinson, Browne Fellow, said in a release. “The block party will serve as an opportunity to bring the neighborhood together and highlight upcoming community events.”

The Browne Fellows are working on a number of projects this summer, including a Public Safety Committee, neighborhood Block Captains, a yard-share network and Tree Pittsburgh beautification efforts. Each of these endeavors will be highlighted at the block party to raise community awareness and gain resident participation.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and volunteers are welcomed. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact MCC at 412-323-1743 or info@manchestercitizens.org.