Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 Source: Standard-Times (MA) Copyright: 2005 The Standard-Times Contact: http://www.s-t.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/422 Author: Lauren Daley, Standard-Times correspondent NIGHT JOINS NEIGHBORS TOGETHER TO STOP CRIME NEW BEDFORD -- There's a party in New Bedford tomorrow, and the whole city is invited. National Night Out, an annual event held to strengthen community spirit and raise awareness about crime, will be held at 5 p.m. at Alfred J. Gomes School. "It's a night out against crime, where neighbors come together to celebrate the partnership between the police and the community partnerships," said Carl Alves, executive director of the New Bedford Prevention Partnership and an organizer of the event. Night Out, in its ninth year in New Bedford, was designed to highlight the prevention of crime and drug abuse, generate support for and participation in anti-crime efforts, and let criminals know that neighborhoods are fighting back. National Night Out will involve more than 9,600 communities from all 50 states. More than 32 million people are expected to participate. From 5 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, New Bedford residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend time with neighbors at the school. "It's a chance to say thank you to police and law enforcement and for families to have fun," Mr. Alves said. The event is free. Domino's Pizza will provide food; Cool Licks will give away sandwiches and ice cream. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a parade of law enforcement vehicles and classic automobiles. Everyone will then return to the school for food and ice cream, he said. He said carnival games, including a moon-walk, will run throughout the evening. There also will be K-9 demonstrations. The state police will bring a helicopter, weather permitting, and the National Guard will provide a rock-climbing wall, he said. He said human service organizations will set up tables for people to sign up for programs. The national event is put on locally by the New Bedford Prevention Partnership and Neighborhoods United. The mayor's office, New Bedford Housing Authority, the District Attorney's Office and the New Bedford Police Department also are sponsors. "It's a community event. Get to know your neighbors, have some free food and fun, and maybe learn something new," Mr. Alves said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom