In honor of National Night Out, occurring on Tuesday, Aug. 4th, the Fayetteville Police Department is inviting all Fayetteville Citizens to a National Night Out Kick-Off Celebration to be held at Festival Park on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m.

This year's theme is "Crime Prevention is Everybody's Business". On that evening, residents are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors, and come out to Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville, to spend the evening outside with neighbors, family, friends and the men and women of the Fayetteville Police Department.

The event focuses on (1) Heightening crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generating support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Sending a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

This is a night for Fayetteville to stand together and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer city.

The Fayetteville Police Department wants your community watch to get involved! Please contact your Crime Prevention Specialist to see how your community can help make a difference and join the fight in making Fayetteville a safer city. If your community does not have an active community watch please call the Fayetteville Police Department Crime Prevention Specialists to get information on how to start or revitalize a community watch in your neighborhood.

Information booths are also available for the event. If you, your Community Watch Group, or local business* would like to participate in the Kick-Off Celebration, please contact the Fayetteville Police Department Crime Prevention Specialists at 433-1034 or 433-1033.

For questions or additional information on the National Night Out Kick-Off Celebration or National Night Out, please contact Community Relations Specialist, Amber House, at 910-433-1847

*Booths reserved for business are limited to this businesses that sell safety related products.