National Night Out was introduced in August 1984 and involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.
The event has grown to become a celebration beyond just front porch vigils and symbolic efforts amongst neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
Following is a list of events scheduled in southwest and central Virginia for Tuesday, August 6, 2019.
Bedford Police Department: The Bedford Police department event will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on South Bridge Street and Center Town Plaza and will have music by DJ Showtime, food and activities to include corn hole.
Roanoke County Police: There will be three events at different times and at multiple locations.
- Montclair Estates Neighborhood Watch Group will be held at Green Ridge Baptist Church (5521 Green Ridge Road) from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Sun Valley Neighborhood Watcvh Group will be held at Summerdean Church of the Brethren (6604 Plantation Road) from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Riverdale Farms & Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Watch Group will be held at Explore Park (56 Roanoke River Parkway) from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Vinton Police Department: The event will be held behind the Vinton War Memorial (814 East Washington Avenue) from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. and will include free hot dogs and drinks, a bouncy house and face painting for the kids and a DJ providing music.
Lynchburg Police Department: .The Lynchburg Police Department will hold its best-ever "National Night Out" next week with a dunk tank, DJ, games, giveaways and more. The annual crime and drug prevention event is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnerships as well as generate support for, and participation in, crime-fighting efforts in Lynchburg. This year, NNO will have over two dozen local organizations with resources for residents, including Lynchburg City Schools, the Department of Emergency Services, and a mobile library from the Lynchburg Public Library. Everyone will have a chance to dunk the following city leaders: Police Chief Ryan Zuidema, Fire Chief Greg Wormser, Mayor Treney Tweedy, Vice Mayor MaryJane Dolan, Pastor James Camm, Council Member Beau Wright, Commonwealth Attorney Bethany Harrison, and Sheriff Don Sloan. A police car and tactical vehicle as well as a Lynchburg Fire Department truck will be available for demonstrations. The event also will include face painting, visits from Star Wars characters, and four food trucks.
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Riverfront Park (1100 Jefferson Street)
The schedule for events is:
Speaker Schedule
5:30 - Pastor James Camm opening prayer; Chief Ryan Zuidema follows with welcome message
5:45 - Chief Greg Wormser
6:00 - Mayor Treney Tweedy
6:20 - Neighborhood Watch
6:30 - Soul Sliders Dance 1
7:00 - Commonwealth Attorney Bethany Harrison
7:30 - Sheriff Don Sloan
7:45 - Soul Sliders Closing Dance
Dunk Booth Schedule
5:45 - Chief Ryan Zuidema
6:00 - Chief Greg Wormser
6:15 - Mayor Treney Tweedy
6:30 - Vice Mayor MaryJane Dolan
7:00 - Pastor James Camm
7:15 - Council Member Beau Wright
7:30 - Commonwealth Attorney Bethany Harrison
7:45 - Sheriff Don Sloan
For more information about the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), click HERE.