AROUND TOWN: Neighborhoods celebrate National Night Out

It's time to take a bite out of crime (and barbecue) with local law enforcement at National Night Out 2008. The festivities are set for Aug. 5 at various times. All events are free.

The annual event, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for local crime prevention programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.

There are numerous National Night Out events around the valley, both big and small. The following is a handful of the events. For all events, visit the official Web site of National Night Out.

If your celebration is not listed, feel free to post it as a comment.

Summerlin

Councilman Steve Wolfson and Sheriff Doug Gillespie announce America’s Night Out Against Crime 6-8 p.m. Aug. 5 at
Vistas Park, 11311 Alta Drive. The event will feature Councilman Steve Wolfson, Sheriff Doug Gilespie, officials from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Las Vegas City Marshals. Free barbecue and ice cream.

Spring Valley

Boys and Girls Club will celebrate National Night Out from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 with a free concert event with kids rock band Marble Canyon Gang at the club, 2850 S. Lindell Road. The event will include bounce houses, games, face-painting and both free food and snacks for sale. It’s funded by Cal Ripken Senior Foundation. For more information, call 399-5692.

Join Ward 1 Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian and local law enforcement at Clark High School in the cafeteria from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5.

Southwest

With a mission to spread the word about crime and drug prevention, Mountain’s Edge master-planned community will host a National Night Out get-together from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 at Exploration Park, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive. The evening includes a movie with snacks, a demonstration from the Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 unit and a presentation about the Neighborhood Watch program.

Centennial Hills

Woodcrest Village in Centennial Hills will host a National Night Out block party at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at 6525 Gatehouse Lane. RSVP is requested by calling 343-5937.

A National Night Out BBQ is planned for 7 p.m. Aug. 5 on the west end of Star Jasmine Court in Centennial Hills.

Centennial Heights will host its second annual National Night Out event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 in the subdivison park at the corner of Harbor Stream Avenue and Concord Heights Street. There will be a bounce house and toys for kids, and Target will be giving away school supplies. Representatives from Ward 6 Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross' office and the Metropolitan Police Department also will be on hand to answer residents' questions and respond to concerns. Also free hot dogs and water courtesy of the Centennial Heights Homeowners Association.

Curtis Park Manor in Centennial Hills will host its second annual National Night Out event from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sawyer Avenue between Leonard Avenue and Decatur Boulevard. There will be children's carnival games with prizes, bounce houses, raffles, music, snow cones, popcorn and watermelon. There also will be local police officers with police vehicles and local firefighters with emergency vehicles on hand, as well as emergency preparedness and educational booths. For a donation of $2.50, you will receive a raffle ticket, but donations are not required to attend. Donations can be given to block captains or mailed, with checks payable to Curtis Park Manor, to 4949 Sawyer Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89108.

Boulder City

Boulder City residents will gather at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 on the ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park. Police officers and firefighters will square off in a softball game, and kids will be invited to have their photo made standing next to a police car or police motorcycle.

Henderson

Henderson will host its 15th annual National Night Out celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St. There will be live music from Sin City Surfers, make-and take activities for kids, crime prevention booths and exhibits, Henderson police and fire department exhibits and demonstrations, free ice cream and food provided by the Eldorado Casino and Dunkin Donuts.

North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas will celebrate the 25th Annual National Night Out at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Cheyenne Sports Complex, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. The event will feature free ice cream and hot dogs, entertainment and crime prevention education. For more information, contact the North Las Vegas Police at 633-9111.

Downtown Las Vegas

Games, Emergency Preparedness information, security information will be highlighted. Food will be provided by El Puerto, at cost, Aug. 5, 7-10 p.m. at Sawyer Avenue between Decatur Boulevard and Michael Way.