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As an alternative to Halloween or just as a great excuse for a party, celebrate fall with your neighbors by hosting an autumn festival.

Single neighbors, families with older kids, and the elderly can all be involved. Explain that there will be fun and food for everybody, as well as the opportunity to give the neighborhood children a holiday to remember. Enlist neighbors to help with setting up a child-friendly celebration in your living or family room, basement, or back yard.

Aim for a fun festival experience; create booths from fold-out card tables covered with old cloth. Offer face-painting, water balloon popping, and pie-throwing activities. Put down tarps or old sheets to protect flooring if you’re indoors, and let the children have some fun. Offer each child a goodie bag complete with caramel apples and candy. Encourage all the adults of the neighborhood to supervise and engage in the activities while enjoying great conversation at the same time.

Helpful hint: For added fun, thrown down some hay for a real festival feel, and play some hoedown-style country music in the background. You may want to enlist adults to be in charge of each station, especially with face painting and pie throwing.

Instant Intentions

While the children enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment, take the time to meet each parent and strike up a conversation. This activity will provide plenty to talk about even when the event is over. Make sure to thank the volunteers by sending a thank-you note with some homemade cookies or other treats.