National Night Out is Tuesday

Months of preparation have gone into planning this year's Putnam County National Night Out, which is slated for Tuesday.

The NNO Committee invites all families with elementary- and middle school-aged children to join the second annual event. Activities will take place at Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle from 6 to 9 p.m. The theme of 2008 event is "Give Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party."

About 40 agencies have lent support to the event, which is designed to enhance awareness of local crime and drug prevention initiatives, increase participation in and support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen community spirit and police partnerships and "send a message to criminals, letting them know that communities like Putnam County are organized and fighting back," NNO coordinator Linda Merkel said.

Activities will include interactive games, displays, demonstrations, a dunk tank and free swimming in the park's pool. New features this year are an Air Evac landing on the park's softball field, a high voltage live line safety demonstration courtesy of Duke Energy, photographs take with the NNO Knight, the event's national mascot, and chances to win backpacks filled with school supplies or tickets to Holiday World and Splash N' Safari.

There will be free concessions such as hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, sno cones and Domino's pizza.

NNO events take place throughout the country at different times during the summer.

"This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and community unity," Merkel said. "This annual event showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation."

Questions about this year's event or how to get involved with the 2009 Putnam County National Night Out can be directed to Merkel at 653-9342.