School may be starting, but there’s still time to party in the ’hood.

Enhanced family readiness, spiritual resiliency and community bonding are the goals for the McChord Field Housing Block Party scheduled at Carter Lake Elementary School, 3415 Lincoln Ave., on McChord Field, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This the second year for the free event, which is sponsored by the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Religious Support Office and the McChord Field Chapel.

The event is open to all service members and families within McChord Field housing.

The first year, the event took place at Carter Lake Park, but this year it was moved to the elementary school campus for better support facilities and in the hope of accommodating a larger gathering, according to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gerald Snyder, a chaplain with the 627th Air Base Group.

“(The event is) an opportunity for fun for the whole family — an opportunity to meet your neighbors and learn about (the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Religious Support Office’s) fall programs,” Snyder said.

Last year, more than 200 McChord Field housing residents came out for the block party, Snyder said.

“The event features a multigenerational approach to community building,” Snyder said. “Numerous volunteers including retirees, active-duty and family members of all ages support the event.”

Music, carnival games, bouncy houses, free food and raffles will be part of the experience that’s aimed at de-stressing military family members at the start of the school year.

“Everyone is welcome,” Snyder said.