Local police and neighborhood watch organizations will join forces to show criminals the way out of town on Aug. 2, during Mooresville’s version of National Night Out.
From 5-9 p.m. on Main Street downtown, Mooresville will stage its third celebration of the NNO event that has existed across the country for 28 years. Previously, local neighborhoods presented NNO events.
On Tuesday night, communities nationwide will participate in the crime- and drug-prevention event. Locally, Main Street will be closed to traffic between Moore and Iredell avenues, as the fun takes over.
Activities will include games, face painting and a bounce house, with giveaways, free hot dogs and a DJ. It’s all free. Other food vendors will also attend.
Also, safety and community watch information will be distributed by the Mooresville Police Department, Mooresville Fire Department, Mooresville Rescue Squad and Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
The goal of the event, said Chief Carl Robbins, is twofold: “It’s a chance for the police and community to get together, and to send a message to the criminal element that we’re not going to tolerate crime here.”
Residents who don’t get downtown Tuesday are urged to turn on porch lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors.
As dusk approaches, a Flashlight Parade will conclude the downtown event in a ceremony to show unity for safety in the community.
“It’s a family oriented event that gives folks a chance to interact with the police,” said Robbins.
National Night Out started in 1984 through the efforts of the National Association of Town Watch. The one-night event was designed to bring people out to learn about crime prevention efforts and to get to know their law enforcement officers.
“This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity,” said Matt Peskin, national project coordinator.
NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Nationally, NNO is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, Target and Walmart.
In Mooresville, Target will donate boy’s and girl’s bicycles to be given to be awarded in a free drawing.
For more information, call the Mooresville Police Department at 704-664-3311.
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