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On Friday, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas announced that later this summer, they would host the city’s second annual Water Block Party , complete with local vendors, food, live music and a “gigantic” water slide that will extend from A.B. Davis Elementary School to the nearby round-a-bout.
Last year, it is estimated that more than 1,000 people participated in the inaugural "Slide the City" event.
Beginning last year, local officials have made a concerted effort to join Mount Vernon firefighters and police officers to “stop and shake” hands with their neighbors at various events, including a “Stop the Violence” SNUG “pop-up” basketball tournament, barbecues and block parties.
According to Thomas, by hosting these free community events, they have begun to build increased trust with the local residents they are tasked with protecting.
“We are so excited to bring fun back to Mount Vernon and give the community the chance to come together and share good times as one Mount Vernon family,” he said when announcing the event last year. “We’ve done fireworks, block parties, pop-up parks, and neighborhood BBQ’s but we aren’t done yet.
“Not everyone has the chance to go to the beach or pool so (my) administration is bringing the water park to you. Best of all, Mount Vernon’s heroes – our firefighters, police officers, and veterans – are riding for free. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the slide, Mount Vernon.”
The first annual Mount Vernon Water Block Party will kick-off on the weekend of Aug. 26 in the heart of the city.
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