National Night Out

Concord residents are invited to participate in the City’s 2011 National Night Out celebration on Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, in Todos Santos Plaza.

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is an opportunity for the Concord community to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative, police/community crime prevention efforts.

The Farmers’ Market will be in the park, serving up fresh fruits and vegetables, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be SWAT and K9 demonstrations by Concord Police officers. Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson will be on hand to answer questions at an information booth.

This year's National Night Out also features a sneak peak at Concord's first "ice-less" ice skating rink, coming to Todos Santos Plaza beginning Dec. 3. Children will be able to try it out for free, and may also have the chance to play in the snow, as snowfall is predicted as well. Children will also enjoy a free jumpy and treats (snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream).

Music for the event, starting at 6:30 p.m., will be provided by Stung, a Police tribute band performing re-creations of The Police's collection of songs such as "Roxanne" and "So Lonely", to chart toppers like "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Every Breath You Take" and "King of Pain.”

In the spirit of the National Night Out Take Back the Streets campaign, at 8 p.m. several bands will perform at various locations near the plaza on Salvio Street. Steve Sage’s Rock, Rhythm & Blues Revue will perform in the courtyard by Skipolini’s Pizza; Due Gadjo (jazz with a French twist) will play the courtyard between Toscana’s restaurant and Panama Bay Coffee House; and Timmer 2 Karaoke will be stationed on the sidewalk across from Suwa’s Japanese restaurant.  Participants will be able to stroll from band to band; the music will continue until 9:30 p.m.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street. Free parking is available in two municipal parking garages with entrances on Salvio Street.

For more information, call the Downtown Events Hotline, (925) 671-3464.