Neighbors gather for food/fun at 7th annual Nokomis block party

Photos by JILL BOOGREN

The parking lots at Oxendale’s Market and McDonald’s Liquor and Wine and the 3400 block of 51st St. were bustling on Sept. 11 as neighbors stopped by to visit local vendors, grab a snack, check out vintage cars, and try their hand at the dunk tank. The annual event is hosted by Nokomis East Neighborhood Assn., Oxendale’s Market, McDonald’s Liquor and Wine, and Faith Lutheran Church.

Photo right: Jeanean Gilmer (behind table) of the Food Building in northeast Minneapolis, and Cooper Laikind (right), a miller at Baker’s Field Flour & Bread, serve up samples from Red Table Meats, The Lone Grazer Creamery, and Baker’s Field.

Photo left: A lot of people wait to have a go at the dunk tank while one careful aim gets close to the mark.

Photo right: Travis Riopel shakes off the water after being dunked by Josie Murphy (not pictured). Riopel, a tenth grader on the Roosevelt High School wrestling team, got in the tank for fun.

Photo left: Wendy Brown, of Wendy’s Doghouse grooming service, introduces people to some of her best customers: Bear Bear (front left), a Pomeranian, and Clara, an Afghan Hound.

Photo right: (from left) Chris Ulberg, Carolyn Struve, and Denise Pellinen scoop up root beer floats being given away at the block party by Trinity Lutheran Church.

Photo left: From left: Bryan, Ava, Khloe and Jamie Albertson check out a ‘65 Ford Mustang at the classic car show held in the McDonald’s Liquors parking lot.