Second annual block party slated for June 28

Three local businesses are joining forces again to host the second annual Grateful to be Alive Block Party in downtown Ritzville on Friday, June 28.

The family-friendly event serves as a customer appreciation celebration for Hometown Family Medicine, The Ritzville Adams County Journal and Ritzville Drug Company, and also a fundraiser for the Ritzville Relay For Life that takes place on July 12-13 at the Ritzville Rodeo Grounds.

The first annual event drew hundreds of community members who traveled downtown to enjoy an afternoon of fun and help raise funds for the fight against cancer. The event raised over $2,500 last year to support the local Relay For Life, and all donations are given to the American Cancer Society to aid with cancer research.

In addition to honoring customers, the Block Party serves as a celebration of life and health. Donations collected during the Block Party immediately are given to the Relay For Life and serve as a fundraiser for the Ritzville teams.

During the regular meeting last week, the Ritzville City Council approved the street closure for Main Avenue from noon until 8 p.m. on the day of the event. Coordinators of the event received signatures of approval from all of the business owners on Main Avenue before receiving permission to close the roadway.

Entertainment, activities and food are all provided free during the event, with donations encouraged. Past graduate of Ritzville High School, Garrett Lee Bartley, and his band are providing live entertainment throughout the event.

Mike Telecky will be preparing a variety of barbecued foods for all ages to enjoy, including chicken, sausage and beans. A selection of snack items and water is also available for attendees.

Youth have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of games, with prizes awarded at the majority of the activities. Tickets are available for purchase and cost 25 cents per ticket, or five tickets can be purchased for $1.

The highlight of the children’s games will be an extensive bounce castle on Main Avenue. For the cost of one ticket, children can climb, slide and bounce their way through the inflatable fortress.

The majority of the games only cost one ticket to participate. These games include the fishing game, duck pond, prize wheel, tattoo booth, water balloon toss and Plinko.

From 7-8 p.m., attendees have the opportunity to participate in the pie toss, where a group of local business owners and residents will take a pie in the face for the cost of $5.

The event serves as an opportunity for community members and customers to celebrate healthy lifestyles and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

If other Relay For Life teams or individuals are interested in organizing an activity or a booth at the event, contact Katelin Davidson at 659-1020.

For more information about the event, contact any of the businesses: Hometown Family Medicine, 659-4800: Ritzville Drug Company, 659-0250: The Journal, 659-1020.