National Night Out on Tuesday

Bradford City Police Chief Christopher Lucco, Lisa Keck and the Bradford National Night Out Committee members encourage residents to spend the evening of August 3, 2010 out and about with your fellow neighbors in recognition of the 27th annual National Night Out.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), National Night Out (NNO) was conceived with the aim of empowering community residents, and as a unique tool against criminal and drug activity. Along with traditional displays of outdoor lights and front porch vigils celebrations of National Night Out also features activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, exhibits, contests, youth programs and visits from local police departments. Goals of National Night Out include creating a heightened awareness of crime and drug prevention efforts, as well strengthening neighborhood spirit.

NNO 2009 involved over 36 million people in 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2010 is expected to be the largest ever. NNO is sponsored by NATW in partnership with Target.

This year’s Bradford celebration of National Night Out includes a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events. The City of Bradford Police Department, Safe Kids McKean and the First United Methodist Church will be holding a kid’s carnival and safety fair on Chambers Street from 5-8PM. This event will feature a bounce house, dunk tank, popcorn, balloons, sidewalk chalk, snow cones and the DARE car & ERT vehicles. The City of Bradford Fire Department will also participate this year by hosting an open house with handouts, the hazard house and Sparks the fire dog. The City’s Park Department will once again be holding a family swim between 6:30 and 8:30PM at Callahan Park. All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate in this event. A downtown pet parade will be take place on Main Street. Anyone wishing to participate should report to PNC parking lot at 7PM. J & K Pets and the SPCA will be available as well as information on pet and pedestrian safety. 5th Ward will host a gathering between 3 and 7PMat the neighborhood park, with children’s activities, basketball, football and refreshments. A Taste of Bradford will take place at Veteran’s Square between 5 and 7PM. Local restaurants will have food available Toucan Jam will be providing entertainment.

This year’s celebration is focused on creating partnerships between community and our local police department while having an enjoyable time downtown. We will also be collecting information from anyone interested in getting involved with a Neighborhood Watch program, said Lisa Keck Elm Street Manager.”

This year’s event was made possible by local sponsors, Philo & Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, Northwest Savings Bank, and The City of Bradford Parks Department.

Photo of last year's event courtesy of Lisa Keck