We had just about closed the books on block parties for 2010 when we got a surprising, if very welcome, message from a Prairie Villager last week. It turns out that if it’s Halloween weekend, it’s block party time on El Monte Street.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of things. I mean, block parties = summer, no? But my skepticism was quickly assuaged.

A keg of Gordon Biersch? A chili contest? Bean bags? Costumed kids and a moonwalk? That’s just a solid showing from start to finish. So we’ve decided to create a special competition for fall block parties…and El Monte wins in every category! Congrats! And see you next year!