Even Block Parties Can Be Gentrified

Sent out today on the Shepherd Park message board is a boast that its block party ain't going to be no beer-sippin', hot-dog-munchin' affair. And, kids, you can probably forget about the moon bounce:

Shepherd Park friends,

Here is one more email inviting you to our inaugural block party this Sunday. It's not your typical neighborhood block party with hamburgers and hot dogs.---we're closing down an entire downtown street, having five restaurants participate (Jackie's, Mayorga, Addis Ababa, Tiramisu and Moorenko's), a platform stage (with performances by eight bands, poets, a fashion show), lots of activities for children (puppets, face painting, games), and dozens of arts, crafts and other items for sale.

What's so wrong with hot dogs and hamburgers?