City High School will host its sixth annual block party downtown Friday to showcase student work.
Everyone at the school is excited about the Pennington Street Block Party, said Carrie Brennan, the City High principal.
“It’s an event that we as a school put on for the larger community,” she said. They like to showcase the school’s teaching and learning.
“It is also an opportunity to serve people of all ages downtown and see young people at their best.”
The first block party in 2009 was originated for students to learn how to organize an event, Brennan said.
This year’s party will include art exhibits, teaching demonstrations, street theater, how to make a cardboard boat, science projects, carnival games and musical performances.
“The activities change year to year,” Brennan added. “But the overall theme, the overall kind of focus of it is always the same.”
City High School senior Hannah Parkhurst has been involved in putting on the Block Party for the past four years. “It can be a little bit hectic,” she said. “But it’s very fun and rewarding.”
As a member of the drama program, Parkhurst often has to go to the event in character. Last year, she went dressed as the white rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland.”
She said her appreciation for the event has grown over her four years in high school.
“When I was a freshman, I don’t think I understood how serious it was,” Parkhurst said. “It is a community event.”
City High School, 48 E. Pennington St. will host the Pennington Street Block Party this Friday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free.