More bang for your block

Sue Doyle

It was 18 years ago when Joyce and Jim Statler first brought their

children to a Fourth of July party on their street.

On Tuesday, the Statlers celebrated Independence Day just as they had

back then, only they brought their grandchildren along this time.

Generations of families gathered at the same Costa Mesa location -- at

Taft Way and Carson Street -- for a block party, which has become a

neighborhood tradition. Forty people enjoyed an afternoon barbecue and 50

more were expected to join the party later to watch the fireworks

display.

“We lead our own lives during the year and then come together here to

check up on each other,” Joyce Statler said.

From turtle races to balloon tosses, the annual party mainly involves the

neighborhood children.

But it also gives adults a chance to be a kid again, as many marched in

their own neighborhood parade. They even elected their own grand marshal.

This year the honorees were John and Judy Taylor, who rolled down the

street in a red-and-white car decorated with streamers.

A cluster of grills sizzled with hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks in front

of the home of Ron and Carol Raya. The couple has always hosted the

party, which usually spreads to the lawns of other neighbors later in the

evening.

Fliers announcing this year’s party went out a little later than usual,

temporarily raising concern among the residents that there may not be any

celebration at all.

“People began pestering me around June 1 about the party. We told them it

was still on, and everyone was relieved,” said Ron Raya.

A long table was covered with a wide variety of potluck food, featuring

dishes neighbors were famous for -- from salsa to desserts. Adults stood

by and nibbled while children attacked a pinata.

It was red, white and blue everywhere, from balloons to flowers to

tablecloths. People wore clothes of all sorts, many sporting American

flags. Even a dog got into the Fourth of July spirit when his wily owner

painted red stars across his white coat.

As Matt Montoya stood under his straw hat, monitoring the children’s

games, some of his neighbors stopped to give him a hug and say hello.

The annual Fourth of July party is a tradition Montoya said he wouldn’t

miss for the world.

“It’s a big family here,” Montoya said. “That’s what it’s all about.

Right here.”