National Night Out Set for August 2

A community wide National Night Out event will be held Tuesday, August 2nd from 5PM until 8PM in recognition of the 28th 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 feature activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, exhibits, contests, youth programs and visits from local police and fire departments. Goals of National Night Out include creating a heightened awareness of crime and drug prevention efforts, as well strengthening neighborhood spirit.

NNO 2010 involved over 37 million people in over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2011 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 events. The City of Bradford Police Department and Fire Department will be providing safety information and provide equipment demonstrations at Veteran’s Square. The Bradford High School Criminal Justice Club will also be helping with activities this year. This event will feature an inflatable slide, popcorn, balloons, sidewalk chalk, Tower one, Sparks the fire dog, and the DARE car & ERT vehicles. 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. A Taste of Bradford will also take place at Veteran’s Square between 5:30 and 7:30PM. Local restaurants will have food available and entertainment will be provided.

“We hope to see everyone out and enjoying this fun and relaxing community event. We will be providing information to anyone interested in getting involved with our Neighborhood Watch program, said Lisa Keck Elm Street Manager.” Residents, organizations, churches and neighborhoods wishing to join this effort can still contact Elm Street Manager, Lisa Keck at lkeck@bradfordpa.org.

This year’s event was made possible by local sponsors The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, City of Bradford Parks Department and Wal-Mart.