Angie Deak helped out the Grace and Rose Children’s Boutique table at the Milford Block Party, held Saturday, Sept. 29. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — Milford residents and others gathered on a cool evening, Saturday, Sept. 29, for the second annual Milford Block Party, hosted by Harvest Coffee and held in the public parking lot on Main Street. The event featured music, games and several community organizations, including the Milford Public Library, Milford Police Department, Wawasee Community Bible Church, Milford Lions, Kiwanis and many more.

“It was busier this year than last,” said Ann Schlabach of Harvest with a Heart Food Pantry. As evidence, her son, Dylan Schlabach, displayed an empty crock pot. Organizers estimated about 80 people attended the 2017 Block Party. “Harvest coffee is trying to get people to connect,” Schlabach added. Judging by the large number of people walking the circuit of booths set up around the perimeter of the lot, the Block Party achieved that goal.

Dylan Schlabach and his mother, Ann Schlabach fed many Block Pary goers at the Harvest Coffee table. Ann is one of the founders of Harvest with a Heart. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Also trying to connect people was Steven Baut, a candidate for Wawasee School Board, who met with potential voters and spoke of the need to “create a bridge” to overcome what he sees as a “disconnect between the community and the school system.”

Steven Baut, right, a candidate for the Wawasee school board, was among the Milford Block Party attendees. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Kids and adults alike took part in a cornhole tournament, which was won by Jason Weaver, Milford, and teammate Kris Limerick, Ligonier. Their prize was a custom-made Harvest Coffee cornhole set. Proceeds from the tournament’s $5 registration fee went to benefit the Milford School Parent Teacher Organization.

There was also a ga-ga ball pit set up, where kids enjoyed the game, a sort of cross between dodgeball and four-square.

A table greeted arrivals who could fill out raffle tickets to win a number of items for all ages. Wency Jackson, a Harvest Coffee employee at the table, said winners will be announced the week of Oct. 1.

Noah VanderReydon, left, had some questions for Wency Jackson about the prize giveaway at the Milford Block Party. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Kris Limerick, left, of Ligonier, and Jason Weaver, Milford, were the winning team at the Milford Block Party cornhole tournament. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Some adults at the Block Party got their fist glimpse of ga-ga ball, a newer sport popular with kids, which is played in an eight-sided “pit.” (Photo by David Hazledine)

Karena Wilkinson, center,, Harvest Coffee manager and one of the Milford Block Party organizers, sang “Georgia on my Mind” and many other songs at the event. (Photo by David Hazledine)