Thousands pack into North Pleasant Street over the course of Thursday evening for the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party in downtown Amherst. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

The surf-inspired instrumental rock band SPF4 performs for the crowd. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Ashton LaPenn on the dance trapeze was one of dozens of acts at the Amherst Block Party downtown last Thursday. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Kaylee Roberts, 10, tries some cotton candy from the booth at Sei Bella Salon during the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party in downtown Amherst. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Keith Nesbitt hoists his son AJ, 4, onto his shoulders to get a better look at the wings of stilt walker Cielo Knox from SHOW Circus Studio during the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst on Thursday. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Thousands of people packed into North Pleasant Street over the course of last Thursday evening for the 11th annual Amherst Block Party in downtown Amherst. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Jafar Manselle and the Wendell Warriors perform West African drumming during the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst on Thursday. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Thousands pack into North Pleasant Street over the course of Thursday evening for the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party in downtown Amherst. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Wilder Talker, 7, right, tries his hand at spinning plates as Ryan Freeze of SHOW Circus Studio teaches juggling techniques during the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst on Thursday. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE

Jafar Manselle and the Wendell Warriors perform West African drumming during the 11th Annual Amherst Block Party on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst on Thursday. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE