First Friday falls on May 1 and will kick off in Carbondale with the 16th annual Family Block Party at 4th Street Plaza and Chacos Park. This free, all-ages event, starting at 4 and ending at 8pm, is the result of collaborative efforts of multiple nonprofits, including the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP), a pillar of the tradition, which will again take on the management of the Youth Stage.
According to AZYEP Program Director Adele Craft, this year, attendees can expect an “exciting and dynamic lineup of youth performances,” including by AZYEP DJs DJ PJ (Penelope Mathis) and DJ Rockers (Sathja Davis), singer-songwriter duo Edie O’byrne and Eli Sorenson, Legacy Dance Company, Glenwood Springs High School’s jazz band and Rock and Roll Academy bands Unrestricted and TOAST. AZYEP interns and DJs will emcee, “bringing their fun energy to Carbondale’s favorite family night out.”
“Beyond that, the heart of the event is the nonprofit booths. Each participating organization offers a hands-on, kid-friendly activity at no charge — everything from art projects and crafts to games and interactive experiences.” Michelle Marlow, Family Block producer and owner of MRM events, said. “You’ll see things like rock painting, seed-bomb making, wildlife mask creation and other creative activities that keep kids moving and engaged.”
Colorado Animal Rescue, which has been involved with the block party for many years, will be there with adoptable pets and to sling adult beverages at the Beer and Spirit Garden. Carnival games and similar activities will be provided by Carbondale Rec, and Carbondale Arts will roll over Rosybelle, its mobile maker-space. FocusedKids, Carbondale Middle School’s Gender Sexualities Alliance, LIFT-UP, the Rita B. Fund, Smiling Goat Ranch and Sopris Children’s Fund will also have a presence at the event.
Folks can also pursue the silent auction, with a wide catalog of items. All proceeds from the event benefit the organizations involved, “directly supporting youth recreation, family programs and animal-welfare initiatives throughout the Valley,” a press release stated.
“The biggest success has been giving nonprofits the space to truly activate and take ownership,” Marlow said. “Over the years, things that I originally managed — like the silent auction and the beer and spirit garden — have been taken on by nonprofit partners, which has been a really positive shift.”
“Looking ahead, my main goal is sustainability,” she added. “I want to ensure this event can continue long-term.”
When Marlow started the Block Party 16 years ago, it was simply a fundraiser for Children’s Rocky Mountain School preschool. But it kept progressing over the years, and she felt that all the effort being put in could also benefit other organizations.
“What makes it unique is that every nonprofit involved shares that same focus. The organizations participating are all connected to supporting youth, families and the broader community, so the event naturally feels aligned and intentional,” Marlow said. “At its core, the Block Party has always been about community and family; bringing people together while supporting youth and family organizations that make this place so special.”
These sentiments were shared by Craft, who encourages the community to come out not only to support AZYEP but the kids involved, too.
“We hope community members will come out to support our talented young DJs, musicians, dancers and emcees,” Craft said. “This event is always one of my favorites because it is pure joy. There are so many smiling faces, from the performers and the crowd alike. We hope to see you there.”
For more details about the First Friday Family Block Party, visit carbondalefamilyblockparty.com
Caption: Zonkey (since disbanded) performs on the Youth Stage during the 2024 Family Block Party. Photo courtesy of AZYEP