A tradition of togetherness thrives on.
The 34th Annual National Night Out Against Crime, coming up on Tuesday, August 1, is designed to take a stand against crime by celebrating a day of music, games, rides and information, with Brooklyn precincts, including the 68th, happily taking part.
“We have quite a number of community groups that participate,” said President of the 68th Precinct Community Council David Ryan, noting that, while some are anti-crime specific, many are geared towards community life in general.
Each year, the event is highly attended thanks to its activities and commitment to putting a stop to local crime. “We’ve had up to 5,000 people attend this event,” Ryan said. “It not only shows community support for the local police department, but it also shows that our local police officers want to interact with citizens and community as a whole and to a enjoy a fun-filled night together. We offer free hot dogs too.”
Anti-crime initiatives on hand will include etching for cars and a high-tech practice through which attendees can get their smartphones registered in case they get lost.
“We also have anti-crime tips at the table,” Ryan added. “People look forward to seeing all those community groups. And there’s a chance for them to interact with the police and express concerns they might have about the community as well as some support for our local police which is always appreciated.”
The event will also offer attendees the opportunity to meet and learn about local elected officials. “It will be a great opportunity to interact with elected officials,” Ryan said. “They all have tables at the event and it’s a chance for them and their staffs to meet and greet constituents and explain what their mission is.”
This year, attendees will also get to meet some candidates currently eyeing local seats.
Though, according to Ryan, the highlight of the event is always the music.
This year’s band will be local act Head Over Heels, which Ryan encourages attendees to enjoy from their own lawn chairs, which all are welcome to bring.
Adults aren’t the only ones that will have fun, Ryan said. There will also be multiple activities for the kids. “The precinct will be there with a couple of its patrol cars and vans that kids get to go in and we also have those bouncy rides,” he said. “There will also be some giveaways and really great raffle prizes. In the past, we’ve raffled off bicycles and iPads, and it helps defer the cost of everything.”
The 68th Precinct Community Council National Night Out Against Crime will be held in Shore Road Park at 79th Street from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sponsors for the event include The Home Reporter and Brooklyn Spectator, Century 21, Bay Ridge Auto Group, Uncle Louie G’s, Northfield Bank, GYMGUYZ, LoneStar Bar & Grill. NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Maimonides Medical Center and Yemen Café.
In neighboring Bath Beach, the 62nd Precinct will hold its Night Out festivities outside of the precinct, 1925 Bath Avenue, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will also include food, music, dance, rides, contests, crafts and games.
Additional reporting by Jaime DeJesus