National Night Out Across the USA

Article and Photographs by Sara Duane

[This article originally appeared in the Vol. 38 - No. 40 Wright County Journal Press' August 3, 2008, edition of The Drummer. It is reprinted here with permission. It would be a violation of copyright law to reprint it without written permission from that publication.]

On August 5th, thousands of families across the country will gather together in their respective communities to participate in this year's National Night Out. This national-but-local event provides an opportunity for people to meet and mingle with their neighbors, laying the groundwork for a more close-knit community. It’s also a night during which residents can foster a relationship with the badge-wearing members of society that keep their neighborhoods safe. Wright County will be no different, as thousands of residents in local cities and communities will be holding their own National Night Out festivities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first National Night Out (NNO). The purpose of the occasion is not only to introduce the law enforcement and other safety officers to the community, but to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness within the public as well. It’s hoped that these events will strengthen neighborhood unity, enhance partnerships between police and citizens, and generate participation in local anticrime programs. Additionally, taking part in these events sends a serious message to criminals that communities are organized and fighting back. In the state of Minnesota and throughout Wright County, groups of neighbors, friends, officials, and law enforcement will meet within their local communities to celebrate NNO on August 5th this year. From simple “lights on” front porch vigils to neighborhood back-yard cook-outs to blocks-long street festivals, Minnesota has one of the highest involvement rates in the country. In 2007, Minnesota tied with Texas for having the most participants state-wide. The same year, Minneapolis was ranked at the top for resident participation among cities with a population of 300,000 as well. In other categories, Minnesota cities and counties have won numerous awards for their involvement in NNO events.

'America's Night Out Against Crime' was first introduced to the public in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). NATW is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization that works in collaboration with thousands of law enforcement agencies and crime watch groups throughout the United States. Since its creation in 1981, NATW has been dedicated to the development, growth, and maintenance of structured crime and drug prevention programs nationwide.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, NATW executives felt that a high-impact crime prevention event was needed nationally to encourage involvement. At that time, only 5 to 7 percent of the residents in a typical “crime watch” community were active contributors. To assure the success of neighborhood watch-like programs, there needed to be more people engaged. A program was proposed which was to be national and local at the same time: events would be coordinated and celebrated with local residents, crime prevention agencies, and law enforcement organizations, while at the same time other communities across the nation were doing the same in their hometowns.

The first NNO was introduced on the first Tuesday in August in 1984. That year, 2.5 million Americans in over 400 communities in 23 states participated. The gatherings were fairly solemn then, with lots of “lights on” vigils on front porches and in front yards late into the night. But the movement had been started, and involvement has grown steadily.

Since that first event, NNO has gained the strong support of the U.S. Congress, Justice Department, FBI and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Most importantly, it has been embraced by the public. Last August, 35.4 million people in 11,310 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide took part. Solemn vigils have expanded over the years to include block parties, community cookouts, parades, festivals, and more. During NNO 2008, over 12,000 cities are expected to take part.

At the same time, NATW's network has grown to include over 6,500 crime, drug and violence prevention organizations at all levels of involvement in communities all over the U.S. This includes law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, community watch groups, civic groups, a variety of businesses, and even concerned individuals. What they all have in common is that they are working towards making their neighborhoods safer places in which to live, work, and play.

There are many cities in Wright County holding National Night Out events this year. The Wright County Sheriff’s Department will be meeting members of the public and performing demonstrations at events throughout the region that evening. McGruff the Crime Dog will even be making visits to events. Find out if your city will be holding its own NNO celebration:

In Annandale, there will be a National Night Out of a different color. The city will be hosting a “Summer Beach Party” from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the City Beach. There will be opportunities to meet police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers. Children will enjoy the moonwalk, Frisbee toss, treats, chalk art, coloring, and more! Residents of Annandale shouldn’t miss the Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter Fly-In. It’s sure to be an exciting time!

Buffalo will have a city-wide NNO event at Sturgis Park from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will be a KRWC Road Show as well as activities, food, and prizes for all ages. Additionally, there will be block parties held in neighborhoods throughout the area at which firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers will visit. In 2007, there were 36 block parties and this year there are expected to be more than 40.

Residents of Monticello can celebrate at the south end of the Monticello Community Center. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., refreshments will be available while adults and kids alike participate in outdoor activities. The Wright County Sheriff’s Department, the Monticello Fire Department, and Community Center will be there to help citizens send a message to criminals.

The events in Montrose begin at 6:00 p.m. and takes place in Lions Park. There will be fire truck tours, a moonwalk, games, balloons, prizes and more. Root beer floats and hot dogs will be available for residents. There may also be a police canine unit demonstration.

Rockford’s Children First will host a community-wide event beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will take place in Riverside Park and will have music, face painting, a bouncing tent, and treats. The Fire Department and Wright County Sheriff’s Department will be in attendance to talk about neighborhood safety and to give demonstrations. There will be free hot dogs and residents are encouraged to bring a side dish to share.

There will actually be two events in Waverly. Meth Education and Drug Awareness of Wright County, also known as MEADA, will be holding an event this year at Railroad Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EMS, fire department, and law enforcement officials will be in attendance. There will be refreshments, including root beer floats, and activities for children. The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted football team will also be holding a football throw with prizes awarded.

The Waverly Lake Association will also host an event at Legion Park that will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There will be hot dogs, pork chops, corn on the cob, ice cream, and drinks. Music and demonstrations will entertain adults while a moonbounce, games, and activities can occupy children. Booths will provide information on the community, the lakes, and neighborhood watch programs.

Of course, this list does not include every city in Wright County. Not every town is officially holding city-wide events. That doesn’t mean citizens cannot hold their own gatherings to promote neighborhood spirit and strengthen community bonds. There needn’t be an elaborately planned street-party, either; it can be as simple as a small gathering of neighbors eating a picnic dinner together outside in the evening air. Planned or impromptu, as long as it encourages neighbors to meet each other, talk, and look out for one another, the night’s purpose has been fulfilled.

Sara Duane-Gladden is as a freelance writer living just outside of Minneapolis & St. Paul in central Minnesota. She graduated in 2003 from the University of Minnesota, Morris, with a BA in English and has been working in the writing & marketing fields for over 5 years. She also writes and maintains the True to Words language blog and Sam Can Shoot photography blog.