The Block Party celebrates achievements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Art exhibits and performances; T-shirt painting; mini golf; exhibitors; entertainment; and fun for the whole family. Food is available for purchase onsite. This event is free and open to the public from 4 pm to 7 pm at Madison East Center (1400 Madison Avenue) in Mankato, MN on Tuesday, August 16th, 2011. more
The Block Party is a collaborative event, involving many local and regional organizations.  You will have opportunities to meet artists, actors, entertainers; paint a t-shirt or a mural; play bingo, games like bag toss or mini-golf; see exhibitors and their new adaptive equipment, devices or products; AND, see your friends and meet new friends!
In 2010, the t-shirt and pogo painting activities were provided by Szot Arts for All, who will be back again to show you how to paint your own project; also, Aktion Club Theater performed sketches of scenes from various completed and upcoming works, this year the United We Stand Players will return to perform some of their works.
The Sports Institute opened its doors for basketball, there were games and activities from the Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum, face painting by LAMANO, stories and magic by Jack McGowan, making masks with Aktion Club Theater and lots of other activities at individual booths!
Anne Koop was awarded the Success With Disabilities Award, given annually to recognize and honor an individual who exemplifies success with disabilities through independent living.  She is a founder of People First, and a member organization of Remembering With Dignity, which brought selected works from their portraits project “See Their Faces” to the Block Party.  For more information and a nomination form for the Success With Disabilities Award, click here.
KTOE broadcast live from the event and Pub 500, Don Juan’s Tacos, Angie’s Kettle Corn, Puff Puff Pastries, SMILEY Cup and the CSI youth group from Bethlehem Lutheran Church prepared a variety of food and drink choices for purchase.
The Block Party wouldn’t be successful without the collaboration of the many organizations and individuals who partner with SMILES to make it happen.  Call Anne at 507-345-7139 or use the contact form on our webpage to ask about volunteer opportunities.
Many of the same exhibitors will be back again this year; stay tuned here for updates on who’s checking in.