Neighbors on Hewins Street fired up the barbecues and inflated the bounce houses last Saturday (Aug. 19) for the 51st annual Hewins Street Block Party – a tradition that goes back decades and is the city’s longest continuous event of its kind.

The street between Columbia Road and Erie Street was host to lots of fun and visits by Mayor Michelle Wu and other elected officials throughout the afternoon. City Councillor Brian Worrell lives on the street, and state Rep. Chris Worrell grew up there, and they and their families act as co-hosts with their neighbors.

“I’ve been living on this street for 60 years – moved here when I was 10,” said James Lisenby as he tended the barrel smoker. “This block party has been a big part of our lives.”

Many of those who participate annually have lived on the block for generations and have deep family friendships that run from older adults to toddlers.

Kendra, Betty, and Francis Lisenby – coordinators of the block party – enjoy a snow cone as the fun begins.

Kayleigh Lisenby takes care with her egg during the children’s’ egg race. The egg is placed on a spoon, and participants must carry it in their mouth to the finish line without dropping it.

State Rep. Chris Worrell shows Michelle Wu around the block party. The mayor attended the 50th block party last year, endorsing Worrell at the time.

Nicole Pierre keeps her egg steady on the spoon during the egg race.

Chester Johnson, a member of the bricklayer’s union and former Jeremiah Burke High School state champion football player, pauses from the fun to say ‘Hi’ with his daughter, Chiyanne Johnson.

James Lisenby held court over the barrel smoker and the BBQ on Saturday, visiting with Latasha Sarpy during a break in the cooking.

Mayor Wu visits with David Eastmond on Hewins Street. Seth Daniel photos