National Night Out Spreading Out

With about 50 booths and three bands, Vernon's National Night Out is shaping up to be a true community event. 

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. The rain date is Aug. 3.  

According to organizers, it is a night designated to make people more aware about fighting back against drugs and crime. Organizers described it as, "a sort of taking back the night theme."   

It was begun over 20 years ago on a small scale and has grown in size and popularity. The purpose is to make people aware of what and how they can work together with their communities and various agencies to help put a stop to crime, organizers said.

This year in downtown Rockville, the event will feature free food, free live music and entertainment, free bounce houses for the young people and many area groups giving out free information and other give-aways.

There will be karate demos by Lunging Tiger and American Karate Youth Martial Arts Center, and a demonstration by the State Police about what happens in an accident when a person does not wear a seat belt.

Music will be provided by the DeChamplain Brothers from 5 to 6 p.m., Tru 2 Life from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and ETX from 7 to 8 p.m.

There will be a silent auction of gift baskets and gift certificates donated by the organizations who are sponsoring booths. 

The Rockville Community Alliance, the Vernon Police Department, the Vernon Parks & Recreation Department and the Vernon Community Network are co-hosting National Night Out.