Why Are You Housing Flamingos?

Waking up to find a flock of pink flamingo's sitting in your front yard doesn't signify nesting season; it's your turn to host the next neighborhood potluck.

In neighborhoods across Hopkinton, people are trying to find creative ways to host gatherings or to celebrate end-of-season sports parties. Planting flamingos in (a willing) neighbors front yard is certainly an attention getter and a whole lot of fun for the kids.

Here are some ways to get started with your own Pink Flamingo Potluck gatherings:

1. Gather together a group of neighbors, friends, or members of your kids sports teams who wish to host potluck events throughout the year. Hint: Make sure that all participants are willing to host and attend.

2. As a group, decide how often to host i.e, monthly, every six months, or annually, and choose a theme. Potlucks can range from full dinner parties, brunches, or light evening appetizer get togethers.

3. Decide on a budget for beverages, cutlery, paper products, and decorations. Ask each participant to place the alloted amount into a fund. The kitty can  be passed to each host to cover his/her costs throughout the year.

4. Purchase 20 to 30 pink flamingos. Hint: The Christmas Tree stores and Walmart stock inexpensive flamingos with little assembly.

5. Before the flocking begins, send out an email or flyer to all participants informing them which week to watch out for birds nesting in their front yards. Decide as a group (or in alphabetical order) which family will get the first dibbs on hiding the flamingos.

6.  Late at night, grab the kids, their night-vision goggles, the flamingos, and set out for an evening of fun and laughter. Flamingos can be placed in the front, back or on the sides of homes. The birds can be grouped together in small packs, or looking at each other. Be creative and have fun!

7. The host assigns dishes for each member to bring, the theme, and the clean-up crew. Participants can help the host with setting up tables, chairs, and coolers to store beverages.

Flamingo parties are a hit for both parents and especially the kids. Children can ride their bikes around the neighborhood in search of the elusive birds.

Themes can range from Mexican fiestas and Hawaiin luaus during the summer months to football and baseball themed events in the fall.

Be creative and enjoy!