National Night Out events planned

National Night Out is an annual community celebration bringing neighbors together.  It will take place the week of August 1 to 10.  Community members are being  asked to serve as party hosts, organizing and hosting neighborhood parties.  The alcohol-free and family-friendly parties can take place in either the evening, or as National Noon Out lunch-time events.

Amy Mattson, the Marquette area RSVP Director, said in a news release, “NNO parties can be hosted by anyone – last year more than 20 different parties throughout the county were attended by about 2,500 people.  The largest parties were hosted by area churches, while many were smaller neighborhood or block party events.  Some parties are as simple as handing out fliers to neighbors with an invitation share in a potluck.  Others are more elaborate with a number of activities, music, demonstrations and games.”

National Night Out is a volunteer-based community-driven neighborhood program designed to strengthen relationships within residential areas, encourage police-community partnerships; heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for local anti-crime efforts; and put potential criminals on notice that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency service workers historically also take an active role by visiting the parties and answering home security and general safety questions.

Interested in hosting a party?  Call the Triad office at 485-1782 to receive a registration form.   Registered party hosts will receive a party bag with suggestions, small giveaways and informational handouts.    To learn more about participating in this year’s National Night Out call the Triad/RSVP office at 485-1782.