6th Annual National Night Out

The City Of Columbia and the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods will be hosting the sixth annual National Night OutKickoff on Saturday, August 3, 2013 on Taylor St. next to Finlay Park from 4-10 p.m. Last year’s kickoff drew over 5,000 attendees to the park.  

National Night Out, a yearlong community building campaign, is designed to: (1) heighten crime prevention awareness, (2) generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Interim Columbia Police Chief Ruben Santiago says, “NationalNight Out is a program that is successful in reducing crime and the fear of crime. I applaud the dedication of City of Columbia communities in taking a stand against criminal activity. We will continue to work hard with residents in our daily crime prevention efforts.”

This year’s kickoff event will feature a variety of public safety vehicles, live entertainment, inflatable rides, displays on home security, Karaoke Idol and tons of family fun. Home Depot will be giving away home security lights, a grill, an air conditioning window unit and other prizes.

In conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series, the Satin Finish Band will take the stage at 7 p.m. and close out the night. It will surely be a night of famously safe fun. 

This event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce office located at 1550 Gadsden St.

Thank you to the 2013 sponsors: Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Target and Columbia Housing Authority.