Schedule for National Night Out 2012 Events Near Marion Tonight

It does not appear National Night Out are in Marion, but there is no reason you can't get out to support the cause.

There are several public events not far from Marion as part of the awareness event.

Here are public events being held locally tonight, provided by the Cedar Rapids police department:

• Wellington Heights Neighborhood, 1547 Seventh Ave. SE, hosted by Terry/Doris Bilsland. This is a pot-luck from 5:30 to 8 p.m. 366-3527.
• Community Connections Center, 1501 First Ave. SE, hosted by Russ Swain This is an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 286-5498.
• Par Crest Neighborhood. Seventh Day Adventist, Old Marion Road and E Avenue NE, hosted by Rick Martin. This is an ice cream social from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 389-5160.
• Lexington Green Association No. 6, 3720 Foxborough Terrace NE, hosted by Vicky Grover (courtyard behind). This is dessert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

National Night Out is in its 29th year. It is a campaign designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in,
local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to national organizers.

People support the campaign typically by illuminating their outside lights and setting up front porch vigils, through a variety of city, town and neighborhood events, such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events, according to the organization.

According to the organization's website, 2012 participation is expected to top the 37 million people in 15,325 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide that participated in 2011.

Cedar Rapids police are encouraging citizens to turn on their porch lights and spend time in their neighborhoods.