Neighborhood Fun at National Night Out

There were games to play and hot dogs to eat at Community Center's annual cookout to celebrate

Officers from Fairfax County Police's were on hand to show their support of crime prevention and getting to know the families in the neighborhood.

"It is important for the police to interact with the community," said Police Capt. Andre Tibbs. "This is a chance to bond, to put names and faces together.

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins says National Night Out, a nationwide campaign to strengthen police and community partnership and show unit in crime prevention, helps make the community safer.

"I love National Night Out," Hudgins said. "We get to know each other and who is a part of our community. The kids get to know the police and all the great things they do for them."

National sponsors Target gave away new backpacks and lunch boxes to kids. There were several other events around Reston - from community socials to blocks organizing to keep their outside lights on - as part of National Night Out.

A record number of people were expected to take part in the 28th annual National Night Out. Last year, some 37 million people in 15,000 communities in all 50 states participated.