Building Community Unity:
Association Events for Every Budget
Kara Foley, CMCA, AMS, PCAM of Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., AAMC, Michael Hadder of Keystone, AAMC, and Ashley Blair of FirstService Residential, AAMC
Community events within an association serve as a conduit of connection for neighborhoods. Events play a central role in fostering a sense of community, where residents form bonds and connections with their neighbors. Additionally, they act as a vital channel for the association board to convey essential information, updates, and plans, ensuring that residents are well-informed and engaged in their community. Such events also encourage the utilization of community amenities, making association assessments more valuable. Community events are the heartbeat of an association, promoting unity, well-being, and effective communication while enhancing the overall living experience for its residents. There are a number of options for communities to hold events for every budget.
No-Cost Community Events
Communities can host a variety of no-cost events, both outdoors and indoors, to foster connections among residents and strengthen their association. Outdoor events, leveraging community amenities like parks or pools, can include activities such as meet-and-greets, community hikes, gardening days, park cleanups, kids’ playdates, or pool days. These events not only build camaraderie but also encourage residents to care for their shared spaces, promoting a healthy association. Similarly, indoor events, depending on available facilities like clubhouses, can range from movie or game nights to book clubs. Tailoring these activities to the audience — adults, children, or families — is essential for success. Marketing these events effectively can be done at no cost through e-blasts, community websites, social media groups, or word of mouth. Engaging volunteers and sponsors enhance events by providing support and resources, such as food, drinks, games, or decorations, while adding value to the community experience.
18 March | April 2025 Mid-Range Budget Community Events
Seasonal celebrations and holiday festivals for homeowners associations
can vary depending on the community’s
preferences, cultural backgrounds, and traditions. Here are some examples of seasonal celebrations and holiday festivals that an association might consider:
• Winter Holiday Celebration: Activities might include tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, holiday-themed crafts, and visits from Santa Claus.
• Spring Festival: Celebrate the arrival of spring with events like egg hunts, picnics, fl ower planting, and community clean-up days.
• Summer Block Party: Neighborhoods can host a block party with BBQs, games,
live music, and outdoor movie
nights. It’s a great way to bring neighbors together and enjoy the warm weather.
• Fall Harvest Festival: Celebrate the harvest season with pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, farmers’ markets, and costume contests.
• Community Service Events: Organize events focused on giving back to the community, such as food drives, clothing donation campaigns, or volunteer days at local charities.
• Educational Workshops: Offer workshops on topics relevant to the season, such as gardening tips in the spring, energy- saving strategies in the summer, and home safety in the fall.
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