National Night Out at Maple Grange Park

Vernon — The Vernon Board of Recreation invites all residents to come out to Maple Grange Community Park on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., to celebrate Vernon’s first time participating in National Night Out. A crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, this is the 28th annual Night Out. There will be food for everyone, plus games and prizes along with a variety of sponsors who will be available to discuss ways in which residents can keep the community safe. Organizations and activities include: • Vernon Police Department • Sussex County Sheriff Department • Vernon Pal • Vernon Coalition - Check out this newest group in town and register to win prizes. • MAC Alliance - Play the Spin the Wheel game to find out more about how drugs affect everyone. • Free Food - hotdogs for all and a few surprises • Games on the Great Lawn such as beachball volleyball, waterball target shoot, Race the Police (miniature version), bocci ball and carnival type games • Live DJ for dancing • Movie in the park - Stay after 9 p.m. and see a free movie, “The Blind Side.” National Night Out is designed to: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness • Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships • Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back Last year’s event involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated.