25th Annual National Night Out planned
August 4, 2008
St. Charles County
Block parties, pool parties and good times are planned in neighborhoods throughout St. Charles County to recognize National Night Out on Tues., Aug. 5 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
This year marks the 25th anniversary for the crime and drug prevention campaign sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The program was designed to promote crime and drug awareness and local anticrime programs while sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Subdivisions and neighborhoods are encouraged to register their event with local law enforcement. Registering almost ensures that an officer will join the gathering, a sure hit with children. Fire fighters have also been known to arrive at the parties, also giving special attention to the kids.
In Wentzville, Officer Mary Wheeler has registered at least 17 events, which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tues. night. Wentzville police, fire fighters, aldermen, the mayor and city administrators will be visiting residents and discussing their concerns. And, McGruff the Crime Dog will be making appearances.
“As the city grows, there is more interest in this,” Wheeler said.
Wentzville subdivisions are looking forward to block parties in cul-de-sacs and backyards. Some will have jump houses, bike parades and ice cream trucks. Others are meeting at community pools for their parties.
In Lake Saint Louis, while many subdivisions have formed neighborhood watch groups, only one subdivision officially registered for National Night Out, Key Harbour. A police officer will join Key Harbour’s festivities.
Many Lake Saint Louis neighborhoods are probably just “doing their own thing,” so officers will drop in to say “hello” at any other subdivision get-togethers they find Tues. night.
Neighborhoods in other local municipalities don’t have many events planned. Law enforcement blames the heat for preventing would-be parties.
The city of St. Charles has taken the heat threat seriously and rescheduled their Night Out festivities, during what is sure to be cooler weather, on Sept. 24. See the St. Charles Night Out flyer.
Even in those areas which haven’t registered an official National Night Out event, residents are still encouraged to flip on porch lights, sit outside and get to know their neighbors.
Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town