(Joplin, MO) – On Tuesday, August 7th, neighborhoods throughout Joplin are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 29th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime prevention event. National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Joplin Police Department, and will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in America’s Night Out Against Crime. NNO 2012 is being supported in part by Target, a national corporate sponsor. Local sponsors include the Joplin Target store, City of Joplin Parks and Recreation, Sam’s Club, Food 4 Less, Maccaroo Gyms, New Life Radio, Price Cutter, and Arvest Bank.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) heighten crime prevention awareness; (2) generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) strengthen community spirit and police-community partnerships. More details can be found at www.nationalnightout.org.

Joplin’s National Night Out 2012 event will be held at Ewert Park starting at 5:30 pm. Free food and drinks will be served during the event. This will be a fun-filled family friendly night with several events for children of all ages. One of the main attractions will be a free swim at the Ewert Aquatic Center starting at 6:30 pm.

Schedule of Events

5:30 begin serving food
5:30 to 8:30 Dunk tank and inflatable games
5:30 to 8:30 Police, Fire, EMS vehicles will be on display
6:30 to 8:30 Free swim at Ewert Aquatic Center
6:45 Joplin Police K-9 demonstration
7:45 Joplin Police K-9 demonstration