[kensmith]

The block party idea is good, but I think that I would go a little bigger. Bigger mainly because it's about the same work to plan something for 20 people as it is for 200 people. I would get a few of the local restaurants to donate food to have a neighborhood party at the local school. Figure it could be great exposure for a few local businesses and myself naturally. Again this is a lot of planning, but it would be a great way to get my face in front of a lot of people without pushing real estate. Once it happens once it will become easier to do it the next time.

The batteries for the smoke detectors will be easy to get for free from Lowes, Home Depot, or Menards...just a matter of who will step up to the plate to help out. My plan is to keep it very low cost by getting other businesses to foot most of the bills.

My wife happens to be very good at organizing events so this is a great project for her.