National Night Out starts at 5 Tuesday afternoon

Published 10:58 am Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Demopolis will host its annual National Night Out event Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5-9 p.m. at the Demopolis Middle School football field.

National Night Out is in its 31st year nationwide, and DPD Chief Tommie Reese said Demopolis has hosted an event since 2008.

“This is a community event to get people out of their houses to interact with each other and with law enforcement,” Reese said. “It’s a partnership with the community to come out and act against crime.”

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Reese said there will be plenty of activities for families and people of all ages. There will be food vendors as well as activities such as a dunking booth, face painting and inflatable slides. He said there will also be some new attractions at the event this year.

There will also be demonstrations from Ross Martial Arts, Demopolis’ SWAT team and the Demopolis Fire Department. The Department of Human Resources will also have a booth set up to answer questions and provide health and safety information to families.

Reese said approximately 1,000 people attended last year’s event, even though it rained for a portion of it.

“Even though it rained for a little bit, everybody stayed and had a good time,” he said. “I think we’ll have a good turnout. There’s plenty of things for everyone in the family.”

Reese said DPD is dedicating this year’s event to the fallen law enforcement officers nationwide.

“The number of law enforcement casualties is on the rise, and we want to remember those we’ve lost,” Reese said. “We want this event to focus on connecting the neighborhood to create a safer neighborhood.”