Richmond gears up for National Night Out

Over twenty neighborhoods across Richmond are making preparations to host a block party event for National Night Out next Tuesday, August 6.

Introduced in August 1984, National Night Out asked neighbors to turn on their porch lights and sit in front of their homes to raise awareness about community police programs, such as drug prevention, neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts. The first annual National Night Out brought out 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

In Richmond, the event provides residents with an opportunity to gather valuable information, savor delicious food, and connect with neighbors, public safety officials, and civic leaders.

This year’s festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with a caravan through the neighborhoods and a kickoff event hosted by the Santa Fe Neighborhood Council at Southside Park.

The event will be wrapped up at the Parchester Community Center, 900 Williams Drive, with an end party hosted by the Parchester, Shields-Reid, and Iron Triangle neighborhood councils.

Richmond Police Crime Prevention Manager Michelle Milam said National Night Out is a great opportunity to strengthen community relations.

“Richmond is a unique place to those of us who call it home. We fight big battles that seem insurmountable and win with our collective effort,” Milam said. “The character of our communities and neighborhoods, our diversity, is what makes us special. National Night Out is a great opportunity to partner with public safety, working together to strengthen the bonds of community. We hope everyone comes out to meet their neighbors, public safety, and civic leaders.”

Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council President Arto Rinteela, said the council is proud of all of the neighborhoods that are participating in National Night Out.

"From face painting to free haircuts, neighborhoods are creating events that are family-friendly and totally free," Rinteela said. "We hope everyone gets a chance to come out and say hello to neighbors, politicians, and first responders, and let's make it the best National Night Out ever. Show some love this Tuesday, and come on out!"

The Fairmede Hilltop Neighborhood's event will feature six professional barbers, a strong man with feats of strength, and a motivational speaker at Hilltop Community Church, 3118 Shane Dr.

Burg Park at 2910 Clinton Avenue is the place to be for the North and East neighborhood’s event, which will include hotdogs, salads, potluck offerings, and prizes.

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