Save the dates: July 9th and 10th, 2010

 Church of St. John the Evangelist announces two-day event for the 7th annual St. John’s Block Party

St. John’s Block Party, Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10.

ROCHESTER, Minn. (Feb. 2, 2010) – This summer The Church of St. John the Evangelist will expand its annual Block Party festivities to also include Friday evening. The 2010 community event will take place the second weekend in July, on Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10. 

“From the outset, we have strived to keep the St. John’s Block Party fresh and inviting.  We’ve toyed with the idea of a two day event in the past but didn’t think we were ready for it until now,” says event co-chair Kurt Augustine. “Thanks to the broad community support, we feel this is an opportune time to expand, and we’re excited to now offer an additional night of music for all who would like to come out on a Friday evening and get a little more of the great entertainment and outstanding hospitality that have become a tradition here at the Block Party.”

The expanded event will begin this year on Friday evening, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The evening will feature a variety of live music, food and refreshments.  Saturday’s festivities will begin at noon as in years past, with a renewed focus on families during the daytime hours.  New and exciting entertainment and activities will be featured throughout the afternoon.  Outdoor stages will offer entertainment geared towards children, seniors and all ages in between.  New this year will be a battle of the bands contest held on the big stage on Saturday afternoon.  Details on how to enter will be made available later this month.  To help make the Block Party more affordable for families, the age for free admission will be increased by two years, to all children under the age of 12.

 “The goal of this event is to bring people together, whether it be families, friends or visitors to our community, for a weekend offering companionship through the gifts of music, fellowship and the fun that comes with summer days spent together outside under the sun and the stars,” says Father Jerry Mahon, Pastor of The Church of St. John.

More than 300 volunteers from the Church of St. John help to make the St. John’s Block Party a reality – all in support of the mission to be a welcoming and hospitable community.  Proceeds totaling more than $11,000 from last July’s successful community event have been distributed to 12 organizations throughout Rochester.  In the six years of St. John’s Block Party history, more than $80,000 has been donated to organizations in need. 

Become a fan of the St. John’s Block Party on Facebook or Twitter to suggest band ideas and to receive the latest news including band bookings, ticket information and more.  You may also contact the Church of St. John at 507-288-7372, or check out this St. John’s Block Party Web.

The Church of St. John the Evangelist is a welcoming Catholic community located in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, one block west of the Mayo Clinic.

The Mission of the St. John Block Party is to reach out to the larger community with music, fun and fellowship.  The St. John Block Party is an event for families, seniors, singles and anyone interested in coming together for a celebration of harmony, humanity and peace.