Grafton Celebrates National Night Out

GRAFTON, MA — The National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer community, started America’s Night Out Against Crime in 1984. The goal is to make neighborhoods a more caring place to live, and one that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.

It evolved into National Night Out, which now, according to its website, involved more than 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities across the country.

Typically, communities celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday of August.

The Grafton Police Department will host National Night Out this Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 5-8 p.m. at the Grafton Police Station, 28 Providence Road.

At this year’s National Night Out in Grafton, enjoy a Jurassic soft slide, face painting, a roving magician, games and prizes for children and adults. There will also be educational programming on crime prevention, drug awareness, fraud, personal safety, health, child passenger safety and fire prevention.

Various events across the country include festivals, block parties, parades, cookouts, rallies, marches and visits from emergency personnel.

The National Night Out website offers this map of communities who are taking part in the celebration this year. Click here to find Massachusetts’ participants.

Photo via National Night