Wheaton block party celebrates 40 years

At most suburban block parties, neighbors grill burgers and hot dogs, picnic tables are set with paper plates and the big-ticket entertainment item is a moonwalk for the kids.

Then there's Marion Court in Wheaton.

Oh, they've got the moonwalk all right, but that's just a small part of the three-day extravaganza that starts with a wine tasting and appetizers on Friday night, a prelude to the piece de resistance on Saturday: A pig roast.

And that's followed by barbecued pork sandwiches on Sunday for the adults, and a pizza and movie party for the kids.

"It's the one week where everybody pretty much hangs out all weekend," said Kimberly Dikker, a six-year resident of the block.

And they've been doing it all for 40 years or so. Neighbors take turns organizing the feast, assisted by a binder filled with instructions "that someone started years and years ago," said Heather Whyte, the organizer of the Aug. 7-9 party.

Back in the day, neighbors dug a pit and started roasting the pig on Friday. Today's leaner pigs can be roasted and eaten the same day, but everyone wanted to start the party on Friday anyway. Thus, the wine tasting.

Saturday's events include a bike parade, extreme face painting, games (teams wear red and blue T-shirts) and lots of lounging in the cul-de-sac while the pig roasts. Dinner is a fancy affair as block parties go, with some families setting tables with china while others go for a casual but festive look.

"People definitely make it special," Dikker said. "It's not your typical block party with paper plates."

Other traditions include a baseball game (north side of the street vs. the south side) and a white elephant game.

Neighbors set the date for the pig roast during a Cinco de Mayo party. Everyone brings Mexican appetizers and their calendars, and they pick a day when the most families can attend. Alumni who've moved off the block are always invited, and even the college students make a point of being home for the feast.

Whyte grew up on Marion Court, and when she and her husband, Todd, decided it was time to buy a house, she knew where she wanted to live: The block with the friendly, sociable neighbors - and the pig roast.

"It's awesome," she said. "I look forward to it every year."