Community invited to rally against crime

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The Alexandria Police Department and the city workers will join forces with thousands of other communities to celebrate the 25th annual “National Night Out.”

The local event, “Community Night Out – Growing Stronger by Building Strong Community Partnerships,” is set for next Tuesday, August 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Park.

The event is deemed as a celebration against crime and drugs. There are more than 11,125 communities with more than 35.2 million people who will participate in America’s night out against crime.

Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels invites the public to attend this special evening of events.

“This is a community crime prevention effort that we hope sends a strong message to our children and citizens,” said Wyffels. “It is our goal to show the community what the city of Alexandria has to offer its citizens.”

New to this year’s event is free food, including hot dogs and chips. The donation of the food by the Alexandria Eagles Club was a “huge asset” to the event, noted Scott Kent, captain of the Alexandria Police Department.

“The Eagles really stepped up to the plate,” said Kent. “We have free food this year and that’s great.”

In addition to the free hot dogs and chips, there will be free beverages courtesy of Viking Bottling Company and free frozen custard courtesy of Culver’s Restaurant.

A big hit last year that is making a comeback this year – tasing (an electroshock weapon). A few members of the Alexandria Fire Department have volunteered to get tased during a tasing demonstration.

Kids will be able to enjoy boom truck rides and there should also be an inflatable children’s bouncer, the “Fire Hopper.”

The event will include a variety of entities, including the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Fire Department, Alexandria Light and Power, Alexandria Street and Parks Department, both municipal liquor stores, Culver’s, Center Point Energy, Safe Communities Coalition, Eagles Club, Henry’s Foods, Viking Bottling and Giggles the Clown.

Kent noted that besides the different entities involved, the “Community Night Out” wouldn’t be possible without the support of its numerous financial contributors.

Wyffels concluded, “We hope everyone can attend this celebration and help make our local ‘Community Night Out’ a huge success.”

For questions about the Community Night Out, contact the Alexandria Police Department at (320) 763-6631.

Tags: national, night, out, alexandria, august, 5