Photos: Ferndale Students Enjoy Games, Music at 'Safe Night'

About 296 middle school students were at on Friday for Safe Night, a semi-annual event that provides a safe and fun place for youth to spend an evening.

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the district listened to a short educational demonstration by the National Guard on how to avoid using alcohol, and then were given freedom of the school with the supervision of about 60 volunteers. Activities included games, an open gym, and a DJ, and kids enjoyed hot dogs, cotton candy and other snacks.

The event was co-hosted by , and the Southeast Oakland Coalition.

"I think it's going fabulously," said Pauline Nagle, principal at , during the event. "This gives middle-schoolers a chance to hang out, and get a feel of what it's like to be here in this building. It's something fun to do."