Riviera Dunes Block Party 2020

Over a hundred people from the Homes of Riviera Dunes residents got together on Saturday Feb 29th, 2020 to enjoy a block party featuring international grill and foods. The cul-de-sac was transformed for the event into the party center!

Many residents from all the communities at HORD enjoyed the event that was featuring the Messenger Band and Greek pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce, Lebanese Shish-Tawook Chicken with garlic paste, Turkish Kafta with hummus and tabbouleh, and beef Frankfurters with mustard and rolls.

Community members pulled together to organize this second block party event at Riviera Dunes to turn the event into a smashing hit.

"Joanna- just want to let you know, Max and I had a fabulous time yesterday. The event was set up with great taste, great food, great music and most of all the friends that were there. Thank you!" one resident wrote. 

"Thank you Joanna. It was a pleasure meeting you and the party was delightful," wrote Angela and Terry Boyaggi.

"You, your family and the other volunteers did an excellent job of organizing the party yesterday. It was fun and the food was delicious.  Thank you very much for the effort! Also if you don't mind sharing a family recipe, I would love to have the tabbouleh recipe.  It was fantastic!  Also where did you buy the pita bread? Thanks again and see you around the neighborhood! Cheers," said Kathryn Newell.

Temperatures were in the 60s the entire afternoon with winds blowing between 12-15 miles per hour. It was a bit on the cool side, but the sun and the dancing kept everyone warm outside and inside!  

The Messenger Band

The Messenger Band was fantastic! They played from 2:30 to 6:30 pm with very few interruptions.

Some of the favorite songs and bands that they played were Tennessee Whisky, Heart, Beatles and Country music which drew 2-step dancing.

They would not quit till sunset and the hardcore dancers were tired! sure made the party very special and we are very grateful to them! It was one of the best sunset evenings we have experienced.

Community Comming Together 

This event would have not been as successful if it wasn't for the selfless help the organizing group received from the entire community.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Ginny W., Pam D., Emily B., Lauren P. Dory K. Karen M., Julien and Joanna F. for assisting in preparing the food and their many trips to acquire supplies and gift certificates from local vendors.

Our gratitude also goes to John and Linda Bessey for allowing the band to use their driveway and electricity. It was the perfect setting with the sun shining on their performance!

Many also helped organize the band, set up and take down the tables and chairs, including Bill and Lauren Price, ​the Besseys, the Browns, Ken Johnson and Julie Leniz. 

Thanks to Jan and Marshal Couch for assisting residents with obtaining their party tickets and name tags.

Special thanks to Mike Rankin, Mary-Ellen Patterson, David Anderson, Nabil and Nicole Freij for assisting in the grilling and serving the food and for cleaning the grills. 

The photos are compliments of Ginny Wood. There are dozens of uploaded images in the above photo gallery that you can view and download. 

Additionally, thank you to all that brought food dishes that made the party so special!

Prizes and Sponsors

Many local individuals and ​organizations provided party prizes that were given throughout the event. They are:

1. Darwin Brewing Co.
2. Foxy Lady
3. Smugglers Golf 
4. Riviera Dunes Dockside
5. Seagrape Seafood Market and Restaurant
6. Pro Aesthetics 
7. Live Training Center
8. Gail Roberts Massages
9. Emily Brown, Massage donation
10. Painting by Drew Denick, Home of Riviera Dunes resident
11. Art by Ginny Wood and Photography, Home of Riviera Dunes resident

Thank you for your generosity!