By Kay Whatley, Editor
National Night Out (NNO) is “a community-police awareness-raising event in the United States.” Municipalities or their police departments generally organize NNO events for the first Tuesday in August, though some locations choose a different date, or the alternate date of October 3.
NNO began in 1984 and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Each event organized is designed to increase awareness about local police programs and community issues — including drug prevention and neighborhood watch, while providing an opportunity for community-police communication. Across the United States, National Night Out is overseen by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). According to their website at natw.org:
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, US territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.
Join the NNO events near you this year, and have an opportunity to meet your neighbors. Be a visible part of your community. Shake a policeman’s hand and let them know that it’s understood that most of them care for their communities. This year, it would be great if people would take this national event to heart and be a part of it. Let’s make this a positive, inclusive event nationwide.
For those near the Five County area of Eastern NC — Franklin, Johnston, Nash, Wake, and Wilson — local NNO events scheduled for August 2017 follow.
Tarboro NC Police Department
For 2017, the Tarboro Police Department and Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office have partnered on NNO. The town event is scheduled for August 1, 2017, 6:30-8:30pm. Head to the Town Commons, 500 N Main Street, Tarboro NC, where police and deputies will be providing free hot dogs, drinks, and cake.
In addition to food, let the kids play on inflatables, listen to music by DJ Slammin, and check out the emergency vehicle display. Tarboro/Edgecombe first responders will be there to meet and talk with area residents.
Updates from the Tarboro Police Department may be posted on their Facebook page.
Updates from the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office may be on their Facebook page.
Bunn NC Police Department
Chief of Police Joe King and his officers are holding an NNO in the Town of Bunn on August 1, 2017, starting at 6pm. Head down to Bunn Town Hall at 601 Main Street, Bunn NC and bring a lawn chair for comfort. Spend the evening talking with neighbors and enjoy a free free hot dog. The police department will be giving away t-shirt until they run out, and holding other giveaways for the kids.
A flyer for the Bunn Police Department event may be visible on Facebook here. Police Department contact information is on the Town of Bunn website.
Franklinton NC Police Department
National Night Out August 1, 2017, 6-9pm, on Main Street, Franklinton NC.
Grand prize in the raffle is an Akorn grill smoker, tickets are $1. Tickets at town hall or see any Franklinton Police Officer.
Watch for updates on this police department’s Facebook page.
Town of Nags Head NC
Annual NNO by Nags Head Police Department and Community Watch is August 1, 2017, 5-7pm. Celebrate neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Get information about crime prevention, safety, health, and the importance of being a strong community.
The event is being held at The Ark Church, 113 W Villa Dunes Drive (cross street is S Croatan Highway and W Villa Dunes Drive, Nags Head NC.
If the weather is clear on August 1, the US Coast Guard Base in Elizabeth City NC may bring one of their helicopters.
For more info, visit nagsheadnc.gov.
Goldsboro NC NNO
This NNO is scheduled for August 1, 2017, 6-9pm. Join together to promote police-community partnership through crime prevention and neighborhood unity. Held at Herman Park, 1101 Park Avenue, Goldsboro NC.
See more at www.goldsboronc.gov.
Lizard Lick Towing is joining forces with the 34th Annual National Night Out Celebration in Goldsboro, NC to show our support for our hard working law enforcement. Supported by Lizard Lick Towing and Recovery, Ronnie and Amy Shirley will be attending in an effort to help bring awareness to the issues affecting local police and surrounding communities.
Midtown Park At North Hills NNO
On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 6-8pm, Midtown Events is hosting Midtown’s NNO, promoting police-community partnerships, crime prevention, safety awareness, and neighborhood camaraderie.
There will be free activities including face painting, inflatables, and more. Meet members of local law and safety enforcement including:
- Raleigh Police Department
- North Carolina CERT
- Wake County EMS
- Raleigh Fire Department
- NCSU Police Department’s Horse Unit
- Kane Public Safety
- Wake County Sheriff’s Department
The location is Midtown Park At North Hills, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh NC. Updates may be posted on their Facebook page.
Morrisville NC Police Department
On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 6-9pm, neighborhoods throughout Morrisville are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 34th-annual NNO. This year’s National Night Out will be held at the Cedar Fork Community Center, located at 1050 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville NC.
Morrisville Activities Include:
- Scruff McGruff
- Sparky the Fire Dog
- Police and Fire Vehicles on display
- National Night Out souvenirs for the children
- Inflatables and Dunking Booth
For event information, contact the Morrisville Police Department at 919.463.1600. Vendor applications may be obtained from Senior Officer M. Gray at Mgray@townofmorrisville.org.
Durham NC NNO
The Pauli Murray Center and the West End Neighborhood are holding NNO on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 5-7pm, at 906 Carroll Street, Durham NC. Come together for an evening sharing fun, games, music and dance, snacks, and refreshments with neighbors.
There will be a community resource tent with information from the Durham Community Land Trustees, End Hunger Durham, and the Community Empowerment Fund. Learn about Tenant Rights, where food pantries are located, how to apply for SNAP, and more. All are welcome. Updates may be posted at www.facebook.com/paulimurrayproject.
Carrboro NC Police Department
For this year’s NNO event, there will be a festival August 1, 2017, 5-9pm, set up at Carrboro Town Commons / Farmers Market, 301 W Main Street, Carrboro NC.
Come for community unity and enjoy music, kids’ games, and more. Emergency vehicles will be set up on display and Police, Fire, and EMS personnel there to answer questions. Food trucks wiill be on-site.
The Town of Carrboro Police Department is onlinee at www.townofcarrboro.org/225/Police.
Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime
The Henderson-Vance “Night Out Against Crime” is scheduled for August 1, 2017, 5-8pm. The gathering will take place at 200 Breckenridge Street, Henderson NC. The Henderson Police Department is a part of this event.
See more on the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hvcrimestoppers.
Preservation Burlington NC
Gather on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 6-8pm, to meet one another, socialize, and meet local police. Members of Preservation Burlington, event sponsor, will also be on-hand.
The W Davis and W Front Historic District will be offering a hot dog cookout. Bring your own lawn chair and beverage. This event will be held rain or shine at The Morrow-Barnwell House, 426 W Front Street, Burlington NC.
More info may be found on the Burlington Police Department webpage at www.burlingtonnc.gov/477/National-Night-Out. The organizers do request RSVPs by July 28.
Cumberland County National Night Out
Take a Night Out of Crime on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 5-7pm. Join Women of the Moose, Sheriff’s Dept Special Response Team and K-9 unit, Red Cross, DSS, and others at 3740 Owen Drive, Fayetteville NC. Help to promote community awareness and policing. Some food will be provided.
See more at www.facebook.com/NCCumberlandCountyNNO.
NNO Events Scheduled for the Fall
National Night Out is held in early August or early October. The NC NNO events listed below are scheduled for October 2017.
Wake Forest NC Police Department
National Night Out in Wake Forest will be October 2, 2017, 5-7:30pm. Activities will be in the parking lot at Renaissance Place, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC.
The event information, including Parking Lot Party details, may be found at www.wakeforestnc.gov/national-night-out.aspx.
Knightdale NC Police Department
The Knightdale PD is holding their National Night Out on October 3, 2017, 6-8pm. Watch for updates on their Facebook page, or visit their page on the town’s website.
Ed. Note: Is something missing? Organizers of National Night Out events who do not see their local event listed are asked to email the Editor with details.
