JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville residents are invited to an upcoming Neighborhood Block Party offering attendance-free fun for the entire family and a chance to connect with fellow neighbors.
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The Jerseyville Public Library is celebrating National Good Neighbor Day this Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 with its fourth annual Neighborhood Block Party from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees of all ages can gather on Lafeyette Street, which will be closed off to traffic.
The free event will feature storytelling, yard games, big trucks, food and drinks, a movie, children’s book giveaways, and much more for attendees to enjoy.
Face painting from Glitter Faces is back by popular demand this year, and movie fans can catch a showing of “This American Tail.” Big trucks from Grafton Technologies (GTEC), John Deere and the Jerseyville Fire Department will also be on display, along with road tractors and other vehicles. FurlForge will also bring activities for the first time ever, offering a sample of “ninja-style athletics.”
The block party is made possible with help from the library’s own neighbors, including Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns, who is grilling hot dogs for attendees once again this year. A Pucker & Pour mobile drink truck will also be on site offering refreshments.
Jerseyville Public Library Director Judy Pruitt said the block party brings the purpose behind National Good Neighbor Day home to Jerseyville.
“Years ago, we ran across Good Neighbor Day, which is a national effort to get folks out in the community, interacting with their neighbors,” Pruitt said. “We decided we wanted to do something like that by enlisting the people that live right here in our neighborhood to just do something fun for the community.”
Pruitt said families from past block parties have expressed appreciation for the variety of all-ages activities. While not a “big, splashy event,” Pruitt said the block party’s simplicity creates a no-pressure atmosphere where all are welcome.
“What we’ve found is families come and stay … they come and they hang out for the whole event, which is exactly what we want,” Pruitt said. “There’s something there for every age to enjoy in a non-pressured, relaxed, laid-back environment.”
