Kids & Family

32 Block Parties Celebrated National Night Out

Albany saw a record turn-out for National Night Out Tuesday, with 32 block parties this year. We'd like to thank Karina Tindol of the Albany police and fire departments and Peggy McQuaid for the accompanying description and photos.

Editors note: Patch thanks Karina Tindol, Community Engagement Specialist for the Albany police and fire departments, for this report on Albany's National Night Out and Peggy McQuaid for the accompanying photos.

By Karina Tindol

A record number of neighborhoods celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, with a total of 32 block parties.  Members of the police department, fire department and a variety of other city staff visited each party, bearing gifts for each block host and a basket of goodies for the children.  All over town, barbecues gave off the aroma of savory meat, delicious desserts filled every table, and bouncy houses were filled with squeals from excited children.

National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday of August.  This nationwide celebration began in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  National Night Out now involves over 37 million people and 15,000 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Be sure to mark your calendar for National Night Out 2014 to be held on August  5.  It’s not too early to start planning now!


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