Although lightning and the sighting of a tornado south of the city cut the evening short, Alexandrians came out in the hundreds to celebrate National Night Out Tuesday.
A crime prevention program, National Night Out is now observed in more than 100 communities throughout the region. Since its inception, it has swelled to encompass 9,300 communities nationwide and on military bases around the globe.
The 20th annual crime prevention block party took place in 23 different neighborhoods around the Alexandria. The kick-off event was held at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria.
“The best thing was the horses,” said 10-year-old Jeff Allen, a youngster from Ohio who was visiting relatives in Alexandria. “I’ve never seen police officers on horses in person.”
The horses Jeff was referring to were ridden by the mounted patrol of the U. S. Park Police. They were joined by the Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 unit, musical entertainment, food and, of course, politicians.
Mayor William D. Euille, several members of City Council and members of the city’s state legislative delegation were on hand for this annual event. The elected officials were driven from event to event by police officers. Vice Mayor Redella S. “Del” Pepper went to 10 different parties.
“National Night Out is such a wonderful event because it’s a celebration of neighborhoods,” Pepper said. “People come out who don’t ordinarily participate in public events and it’s a way for us all to come together around crime prevention.
"I thoroughly enjoyed greeting everyone and spending time in so many different neighborhoods. That’s what’s really important in Alexandria – our neighborhoods.”