Annual Greenwich Block Party Sunday

Looking for an alternative to the beach for family fun this weekend?

Then the Silver Shield Association, the union representing members of the Greenwich Police Department, has the answer. On Sunday, Aug. 5 from 3 to 9 p.m., the association will host its annual Greenwich Avenue Block Party that will feature live music, food and rides for children, including a three-story water slide.

The association's community liaison, retired Lt. Tom Keegan, said the lower portion of Greenwich Avenue will be closed to traffic from Fawcett Place to Railroad Avenue, so that residents will have a pedestrian mall to enjoy food and drinks available from local restaurants and entertainment from local bands including the perennially popular Billy & the Showmen.

New this year will be tables and chairs set up for attendees to soak in the atmosphere, according to Keegan. And for children, Fawcett Place will be transformed into a water-themed playland with the slide and pony rides and face painting.

In addition to the giant waterslide, there also will a dunk tank. When Keegan appeared before the Board of Selectmen in May seeking permission to close Greenwich Avenue for 6 hours, he told the board that volunteers were needed for the dunk tank.

He off-handedly asked if any of the selectmen would volunteer to man the dunk tank chair. First Selectman Peter Tesei joked he may be out of town and would appoint the lone Democratic Selectman, Drew Marzullo, as an official town representative for the tank—an invitation Marzullo happily accepted.

Regardless of who ends up in the dunk tank, the Silver Shield Association is using the event to raise money for the town's summer camp scholarship program. Each year, the department of Parks and Recreation sponsors town children, identified by local social service agencies, to attend its camp program. A $10 donation for adults is requested.

"It's a good cause and this helps us give back to the community," Keegan said.

For more information, call Keegan at 203-869-9519 or e-mail: SilverShield@gmail.com.