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National Night Out
What is National Night Out?
National Night Out is an annual campaign founded by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in the early 1980’s to celebrate the successes resulting from community partnerships between law enforcement agencies, neighborhood organizations, neighborhood watch groups, elected officials and others in helping to make their communities safer and more caring places to live, work, play and invest in.
National Night Out is always celebrated on the first Tuesday in August.
This year, the 36th annual National Night Out will take place on
Tuesday, August 6, 2019,
and once again, the City of Roanoke will be participating in the celebration along with other communities and neighborhoods across the nation!National Night Out Overview
To celebrate National Night Out, city neighborhood organizations and watch groups host a variety of events designed to:
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs,
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness,
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back and,
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit.
Participating in National Night Out is an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program that promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our efforts in maintaining a safe community.
If your neighborhood or apartment community does not currently have a recognized Neighborhood Watch or community group and you would be interested in starting one, contact the Office of Neighborhood Services and we can help you take a bite out of crime!
Planning Your Event
- Talk to your neighbors and invite them to help
- As with planning any event, the more the better
- Decide what kind of event you want to have
- Block party
- Cookout or potluck
- Watermelon or ice cream social
- Pick a time and a place
- Someone's yard
- Nearby park or public street (Remember, if you plan to use a neighborhood park or wish to close off a public street for your NNO event, please read the Assembly Permit Instructions then complete and submit an Assembly Permit Application (PDF))
- Spread the word
- Let your neighbors know what is planned and invite them to participate
- If you need help with creating a flyer/invite, contact Neighborhood Services for assistance.
- Depending on what your event is, encourage neighbors to bring something.
- Lawn chairs
- Potluck items
- BBQ grills
- Trash and recycling bags
- Music
- Their own plates, cups, bowls and utensils (to avoid disposables and creating a lot of trash).
- Other ideas
- if you have a neighborhood fire station, invite them directly
- Send an invitation to the police department
- Get local neighborhood businesses involved
- Create a contact map for your neighborhood so that everyone has an emergency contact number for each household.
- Depending on what your event is, encourage neighbors to bring something
- Lawn chairs
- Potluck items
- BBQ grills
- Trash and recycling bags
- Music
- Their own plates, cups, bowls and utensils (to avoid disposables and creating a lot of trash)
- Create a contact map for your neighborhood so that everyone has an emergency contact number for each household
- Other ideas
- if you have a neighborhood fire station, invite them directly
- Send an invitation to the police department
- Get local neighborhood businesses involved
Register an Event
All neighborhood organizations and neighborhood watch groups are encouraged to participate in this annual national event. Please fill out this registration form online.
2019 Scheduled National Night Out Events
National Night Out @Explore Park!
Hosted by Southeast Action Forum, Inc. and Riverdale Farm Neighborhood Association
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Where: Explore Park, Milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24014
This year, Southeast Roanoke City and Roanoke County will join together to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and celebrate a united Roanoke community!
**Explore Park is only 10 minutes from SE Roanoke City!—Just take Rutrough Rd (behind Food Lion) to 56 Roanoke River Pkwy.**
Free hot dogs and snow cones will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share and your own blanket or folding chair to relax on.
Come enjoy games, door prizes, face painting, and much more! Meet your neighbors and local emergency personnel! Check out the Explore Park Visitor’s Center and gift shop which will remain open until 8pm! Take a short nature hike or bring your mountain bike to hit the trails! Free admission! Free FUN for everyone!!
Grandview National Night Out
Hosted by Greater Grandview Area Neighborhood Watch Association
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Huff Lane Park
4412 Huff Ln NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
The Greater Grandview Area Neighborhood Watch Association (GGANWA) will hold a National Neighborhood Night Out 2019 Community event at Huff Lane Park Tuesday, August 6th, 2019. Please take a moment and view the attached NNO 2019 informational PDF. This is a free, family friendly event! While not required to attend, please consider making a donation to or volunteering assistance with this event. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you and your family at this neighborhood community gathering. Free food, fun, music and prizes. Come out and meet your neighbors and our area's first responders.
Old Southwest National Night Out
Hosted by Old Southwest, Inc. Neighborhood Watch Association
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Where: Alexander Gish House
641 Walnut Ave SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24016
Serving hotdogs with all the trimmings and cold drinks. Plus Mission BBQ sandwiches. Meet and thank officers and first responders. Historic Old Southwest at the Gazebo in Highland Park, rain location will be inside the Gish house.
NNEO National Night Out 2019
Hosted by the Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization (NNEO), Inc.
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Where: Loudon Park
827 Loudon Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24016
Come on out and join the residents of Loudon Avenue as we celebrate National Night Out 2019. There will be food, fellowship, and resource information provided by local non-profit organizations that serve our community. "Strong Neighborhoods, Healthy Communities"
Wildwood Civic League joins the Town of Vinton for NNO 2019
Hosted by Wildwood Civic League
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Where: Charles R. Hill Senior Center
814 E Washington Ave
Vinton, Virginia 24179
Come join the Wildwood Civic League and the Town of Vinton for National Night Out 2019. There will be food and activities.
Melrose-Rugby/Loudon-Melrose
Hosted by Melrose Rugby Neighborhood Forum & Loudon-Melrose Neighborhood Forum
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Staunton Park
2225 Staunton Ave, NW
Roanoke, VA 24017
Two Melrose Neighborhoods are coming to gather to celebrate National Night Out 2019. There will be music, food and first responders.
Hurt Park National Night Out 2019
Hosted by Hurt Park Neighborhood Alliance
When: Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Where: Hurt Park Townhomes Community Center
1801 Westview Ave, SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
Come on out for the dedication of the new table and chairs received from our Neighborhood Month Fundraising. We will have hot dogs and drinks to celebrate.