Carolyn Grodinsky
MONTPELIER — While the last edition of The Bridge featured Montpelier Alive grants to fund neighborhood block parties in Montpelier, the Streets as Places Program had already awarded mini-grants to towns throughout Vermont. Grants were open to Vermont residents organizing events on neighborhood or village streets across the state.
According to a press release from Local Motion in March 2026, over 200 block parties applied for the funds, ranging from $200 to $500, along with hands-on support from Local Motion to bring their events to life. Three of the awards went to Barre, Montpelier, and Washington block parties. The program was designed to foster community connections, reimagine neighborhood streets as shared public spaces, and spark lasting local change. Organized by Local Motion, in partnership with AARP Vermont, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and Front Porch Forum, it awarded applicants a combined $10,000 in micro-grants.
Montpelier’s Loomis Street grant award of $400 has helped support a party to be held on Aug. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. Located on Loomis between Park and Liberty streets, the party will include three musical groups and a DJ, games, book giveaways from the Vermont Humanities Council, a clothing and book swap, blood pressure checks, face painting, bicycle safety checks, and more. As for food, people can bring pot luck snacks to share.
“Vermont’s historic downtowns, villages, and neighborhoods were designed around shared public spaces and vibrant streets where neighbors could gather and connect,” said Ben Doyle, president of the Preservation Trust of Vermont. “We are thrilled to see awardees hosting events in Vermont’s historic downtowns and village centers, bringing people together on neighborhood streets that have long been the heart of community life.”
Sally Leahy, one of the party organizers, hopes the event will encourage neighbors to meet neighbors and will develop into ongoing activities. She said it’s already happening. One new neighbor has started hosting neighborhood gatherings on her lawn with games, snacks, and just hanging out Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
