The 30th Annual National Neighborhood Night Out will be held tonight.
The introduction of National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime", in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
The following is a partial list of local neighborhood watch groups and how they plan to celebrate the evening:
Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Watch will host a cookout/potluck from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Chilhowee Park pavilion located just inside the gate off of Beaman Street and Fifth Avenue.
Dandridge Avenue Neighborhood Watch will join with Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch and the Five Points and Linden/Parkview watch groups to celebrate, with dinner served by Magnolia Cafe and greetings delivered by local and state officials. The event takes place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Avenue.
Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood Park Pavilion for light refreshments.
Harrill Hills Neighborhood Watch will meet on Lindmont Avenue at 6:30 p.m. for its fourth annual hot dog potluck.
Harrill Hills Two Neighborhood Watch, will shar favorite desserts, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the corner of Forest Lane and Hardwood Road.
Historic Sutherland Heights neighbors will use National Night Out to go door-to-door, greeting neighbors and asking them to turn on their porch lights
Inskip Community Association will host a potluck supper and games starting at 6 p.m. at Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Road. The event will be inside the church if it rains.
Murray Drive/Wilkerson Road and Norwood Neighborhood Watch groups will join forces from 5-7 p.m. at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1705 Merchants Rd. There will be BBQ, hot dogs and all the trimmings, fruit, salads, sides and desserts.
Oakwood-Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association will meet at the clubhouse at 916 Shamrock Avenue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be served.
Old North Knoxville plans a "porch hop" from 6-8 p.m. Neighbors, police and visitors will visit six homes for refreshments and conversation. The participating homes are located at 428 East Scott Avenue, 700 East Scott Avenue, 244 East Oklahoma Avenue, 225 East Oklahoma, 209 West Glenwood, and 1319 Grainger Avenue.
Old Mechanicsville Neighborhood Interest will meet for a hot dog fest at 6:00 p.m. in Old Mechanicsville Park, located directly across the street from Fire Station #5 on Arthur Street. In the event of rain, meet at Odle & Young Architects on Western Avenue. Parkridge Community Organization normally meets on the first Tuesday of each month, so it will celebrate the occasion with its regular neighborhood meeting, including contact with the group's liaison officer.
Seminole Neighborhood Watch members will gather from 6-8 p.m. for light snacks and neighbor-to-neighbor communication at the Adair Park clubhouse.
South Haven Neighborhood Association will hold a chili potluck starting at 5:30 p.m. at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1615 Price Avenue, in the picnic area. Several members will bring various types of chili and styles of corn bread. There will be a taste-testing for the best recipe.
South Woodlawn Neighborhood Association and the watch groups in the area will meet in the parking lot of its usual meeting place, Woodlawn Christian Church, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a hot dog picnic dinner. Music will be provided by SWNA member Sara Baskin's band. Door prizes will be given away. If it rains, head to the church fellowship hall.
Vestal Neighborhood Association will meet at the South Community Center on Martin Mill Pike from 6:00- 7:30 p.m. Hot dogs and other refreshments will be served.
Wesley Neighbors will gather between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Sheffield and Hastings for light snacks. In addition to the police, a fire truck will be present to entertain the children.