BLOCK PARTY, in the United States, a party held on the side-walks surrounding or the street between two city blocks. During the World War the custom of giving parties in the streets for the benefit of wartime activities arose in the cities of the United States. With the permission of the city authorities the street was closed to vehicular traffic. Coloured bunting and na tional flags were used as decorations on the fronts of the sur rounding buildings; festoons of electric lights illuminated the street at night. A small admission fee was charged to those who wished to take part in the street party. The main feature of the nightly merriment was a band which played for dancing. The custom has persisted, and block parties are given by local political and social organizations, and by Church bodies. Summer resorts give them for the benefit of local organizations.