The smell of the barbecue and cotton candy hung in the F Street air Sunday as GW students braved a windy afternoon to celebrate community unity at the annual Thurston Block Party.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to hang out with your friends and eat free food,” freshman Sona Balanian said. “You can act like you’re 4 years old.”

Thurston Block Party organizers said the event was a success despite some obstacles.

Thurston Hall Council Vice President Matt Kernkraut said organizers had to have about 10 cars that were parked in front of Thurston Hall towed and the Ferris wheel arrived three hours late.

But these minor inconveniences did not interrupt anyone’s fun, Kernkraut said.

“I’ve heard from many people that this is the best event at Thurston – maybe at GW – this year,” Kernkraut said.

David Kersh, Thurston Hall’s representative to the Residence Hall Association, said block party organizers fretted about every detail of the event for weeks.

But Kersh said all the worry was unnecessary because the day was perfect.

“It’s been a jolly ol’ good time,” he said.

Some freshmen entertained others by rhythmically passing a hackey sack to the tune of various live bands, including The Beans, Phillips Head and MudCat Jones.

Another guest said he was content to simply listen.

“I dig it,” said Luke Hammon, an out-of-towner visiting a GW student. “I really like the live music and free food.”

Organizers said more students attended the party than in past years.

“We bought food for more than 3,000 people,” Thurston Block Party Chair John Fohr said. “Food’s going quickly enough for us to estimate that 4,000 or more people have showed up (throughout the day).”

But he said no one took an official count to determine total attendance.

Guests also could sign up to participate in community service with the Red Cross, Student Association and AIDS Awareness Week organizers, all of which had booths at the block party.