A crowd gathers at a chance to catch a mini-football or tee shirt at the National Night Out event on Tuesday.
Food, fun and fellowship will be the hallmarks of an event that seeks to strengthen police-community partnerships and build neighborhood spirit.
Carson City will join communities across the country for National Night Out, the annual campaign aimed at “making our communities safer, more caring places to live.”
Local festivities — including food, games and music — will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 in Mills Park.
The event, hosted by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and National Association of Town Watch, encourages the public to attend and enjoy food, fun and networking on the first Tuesday in August.
Offering plenty of chances to mingle with law enforcement, first responders and other public safety and military officials, the event’s goal is to heighten public awareness of crime and other issues plaguing the community such as substance abuse and violence.
“In Carson City, this event represents the culmination of all of the efforts we take throughout the year to address crime and substance abuse, and sometimes mental health issues in the justice system,” said Deputy Lisa Davis, community prevention coordinator and DARE officer.
In 2017, the National Association of Town Watch reported 38.6 million people participated in National Night Out events across 16,377 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
In Carson City, the theme will continue to be “Partnership in Action.” This year’s event is celebrating “16 years of giving crime the boot.”
“The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has received national recognition every year we have participated in National Night Out, and local sponsors have been a huge part of that success,” Davis said.
This year’s sponsors are Grocery Outlet, RCM Realty Group, Toiyabe Golf Club, Cal-Neva Transport and Tow, Liz’s Biz, Dave’s Supply, Monarch Direct, Sun Spot Tanning, Kadee Mason American Family Insurance, Carson Now, Tom Noble Construction, Children and Family Counseling, Elks Lodge and Emblem Club No. 2177, Southwest Gas Corp., Dan Kimm Rock It Productions and the Carson City Downtown Business Association.
Last year, the Sheriff’s Office received national recognition for Outstanding Community Participation and was ranked “among the nation’s best.”
Davis also noted the Sheriff’s Office has ranked fifth in its category for high attendance at its National Night Out event. But the accolades don’t end there; the Chamber of Commerce recognized the Sheriff’s Office for putting on the “Best of the Best Ongoing Annual Event,” and Mayor Bob Crowell issued a proclamation declaring August Law Enforcement and Public Safety Crime Prevention Month.
For information, call Davis at 775-283-7809.