BLOCK PARTY: Crowds enjoyed a selection of festive activities and foods from local eateries at McCarter Theatre’s third annual outdoor Block Party last Wednesday as they listened to the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra. (Photo by Emily Reeves)

Rain stopped long enough last week for throngs of local residents and visitors to attend McCarter Theatre’s third annual block party. The event took place under festive lantern-lit trees on the lawn in front of the Matthews Theatre.

The free three-hour event, from 5 to 8 p.m., drew a crowd of all ages. Children took part in tot-sized versions of carnival like games such as the high-striker (also known as the strongman) as well as spin art, a scavenger hunt, and activities from JaZams. There were also ticket giveaways and, for the first time this year, stage tours.

People brought picnic blankets and lawn chairs and their pet dogs too. After buying food, they settled down at the tables and chairs provided or on the grass to enjoy music from the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra.

The orchestra, which was also at the event in previous years, is made up of high school and college performers from New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia. It was led by founder Joseph Bongiovi, who also directs the Princeton High School band. Vocalists Emily Zetterberg and Caitlyn Bongiovi (Mr. Bongiovi’s daughter) wowed the crowd with renditions of jazz standards.

Food ranged from gourmet pizza and paella to hotdogs from Nomad Pizza, Mediterra, Mistral, Terra Teatro, elements,4 Daughters Franks, Bitter Bob’s BBQ + Comfort Food, D’Angelo Italian Market, among others. Sweet dessert treats were to be had from Chez Alice Catering, Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream, and Maddalena’s Cheesecake & Catering.

Christine Murray, special events manager at -McCarter, said the block party “welcomes the community into our doors in a different way.”

In past years, as many as a thousand people have turned out for the event, which makes Wednesday evening’s count something of a record. “We didn’t get an exact count but I would say we had somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 people,” said Christine Murray, who was in charge of the event. “I am very grateful to the 80 staff and volunteers who helped make the evening run smoothly. Without the help of these fabulous people the event would not be possible.”

In addition to informative stage tours led by Stage Supervisor Stephen J. Howe, teaching artists Jillian Carucci and Stacy Horowitz presented classes throughout the day for children in grades K through 2nd and 3rd through 5th in the theater lobby.

“All of us at McCarter are thrilled by the Block Party’s growing success,” said Ms. Murray. “We feel it’s important, as a member of the Princeton community, to have an event that kicks off our new season and brings together young and old for a great night of food, music, and activities. A fun time was had by all.”

McCarter’s upcoming season includes five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, Grammy winner Chris Botti, standup comedian Lewis Black as well as a joint recital by Pinchas Zukerman and Yefim Bronfman. Plays include Proof by David Auburn, The White Snake by Mary Zimmerman and August Wilson’s Fences and two by Beaumarchais, directed and adapted by Stephen Wadsworth: The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro. 

For more information, call (609) 258-2787, or visit: www.mccarter.org.