There was a star-spangled Independence Day celebration unlike any other Sunday in the Oakland Beach section of Warwick.

Everything – from the event’s unique beginning and a brief postponement to the caloric creations that came from nearly 30 families -- marked what someone suggested should be named “The Hazard Happening on the Fourth of July.”

John and Deb Sabalewski and their Hazard Avenue neighbors Steven and Diana Amalfitano first talked about the idea of having a Block Party to celebrate July 4th several years ago as a way help people get to know their neighbors.

Moreover, the couples enjoyed further meetings after Diana Amalfitano’s famed walks with “Cooper” – her dog – who was affectionately known as “The Mayor of Hazard Avenue” until his unfortunate and sad passing several days ago.

The two long-time Hazard Avenue neighbors then sent letters about having a Fourth of July Block Party and as John Sabalewski explained: “There are 38 houses on this street, two of which are currently unoccupied, and we received positive responses from 36 of those families.”

So, after meeting with other neighbors, plans were finalized to have a Block Party on Saturday, July 3 from 2 to 10 p.m. – replete with plenty of food and games -- and actually close Hazard Avenue to any and all traffic.

“Of course, the best laid plans don’t always go as you’d like,” mused Sabalewski about Saturday’s rain that forced families to postpone their exciting event to Sunday – on the Fourth – when some people had to change their schedules because of similar events being held by relatives and other friends.

To compound matters, the permit to close Hazard Avenue to traffic via street barricades – which was okayed by the Warwick Police and organizers later received in writing from the Board of Safety – was issued for July 3 only and more rain was also forecast for part of Sunday. The couples even contacted McLane Insurance of Warwick and purchased an insurance policy for $5-million as a special “just-in case safety for their neighbors.”

Despite the dreary forecast for Sunday, many families prepared different dishes – from corn-on-the-cob to pizza to special salads to other baked goods as well as countless sweets like strawberry cake along with chilled and cut watermelon highlighted by char-broiled hot dogs and hamburgers -- and as Deb Sabalewski said with a special smile on her face: “We had to have the party, rain or shine.”

And what a party it was!

For Josh and Samantha Munson, who are the newest homeowners on the street, the Hazard Happening was a perfect way to get to know their neighbors and enjoy a game or three of badminton while Amalfitano – who took home the event’s unofficial “Chef of the Day” honor -- Sabalewski, Jeff Kurtz and Scott Murdock tested their skills during several sets of cornhole games.

Meanwhile, there were several surprises during Sunday’s Food-and-Friends Fest like the fresh popcorn Manuela Perez bagged then personally presented to many people who admired the clever decorations in her yard that featured 90 inflated red, white and blue balloons and flag banners Julio Quezada affixed to a long wooden fence.

“This is even more American than apple pie,” chuckled Walter Proffit, who along with his wife were special guests of John and Deb Sabalewski. “We’ve only been here a short time but I feel as though I’ve known some of these people for years.”

Which is what – and why – the Hazard Happening was designed to do.

“Before today some people didn’t even know their neighbors,” said Sabalewski. “We’re all pleased the way this turned out. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic food-fest highlighted by the formation of new neighborhood friendships.”

So, the Hazard Happening Chapter One, held amid a sea of red, white and blur decorations that came in all shapes and sizes, is officially in the record books and people are already talking about 2022.

“Hey, maybe we should have some steamers!” Murdock suggested as he chatted with Steven Amalfitano, the day’s co-host who quickly quipped: “Hey this is only our maiden voyage; maybe we’ll chowder and even clamcakes next year!”