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On Tuesday, August 3, Community Watch Groups in partnership with New Bern Police Department will host a crime prevention awareness event in Union Point Park.
Beginning at 5:00 pm with the opening ceremony at 6:00. Mayor Lee Bettis will give a welcome address and Police Chief Frank Palombo will speak on the purpose of the National Night Out event. A Community Watch Chairperson will talk about their neighborhood experience. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a flashlight walk through the downtown streets as a symbolic gesture for citizens to shine a light and express a stand against crime. For those not able to attend, resident are encouraged to turn on your porch lights at 8:30 pm.
National Night Out (NNO) has been held annually in communities around the United States since 1984 sponsored by National Association of Town Watch (NATW). In its first year, 400 communities in 23 states with 2.5 million people participated. Last year participation had grown to involve 36.7 million people in 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military basis worldwide. Over 16,000 communities are expected to take part this year.
The event provides a way for people to come together, meet your neighbor and learn ways to get involved in protecting your community through education in anti-crime programs, strengthen your partnership with law enforcement and promote Community Watch Groups in neighborhoods.
NNO is a combination of fun, entertainment and educational activities for the whole family. Many community service organizations will be participating including NBPD, Fire Dept and The YMCA. Some of the children’s activities include a puppet show, face painting, moonwalk and finger painting. There will also be live music and food vendors as well.
Raffle drawings will be held throughout the evening and school supplies given away at the closing ceremony to school age children.
For two years in a row, New Bern has been recognized as a national award winner from the NATW (National Association Town Watch) for its outstanding participation in National Night Out. This event represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes and to expand and strengthen programs and relationships for the next 364 days.
Join us on Tuesday, August 3 at Union Point Park, 5:00-8:30 pm. Bring the kids, a lawn chair and enjoy the games, music, food, activities, education, door prizes and get to know your neighbor.
Contact Jenna Leissner, Chair New Bern’s National Night Out via email.
Submitted by: Danielle Glynn, Citywide Community Watch Coordinator