Contact: Dexter Chambers, City Council Communications Director: 404-330-6309/392-0159

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Council Communications

City Hall

55 Trinity Ave. SW

Atlanta, GA  30303

Thermice J. Bevelle, City Council Communications Specialist: 404-330-6823

Bruce Morton, City Council Communications Specialist: 404-330-6357
Date:                                        July 27, 2009
Atlanta City Councilmembers Joyce M. Sheperd and Carla Smith

join to host National Night Out at Perkerson Park

This year marks the 26th observance of National Night Out (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event held in communities across the country.

Representatives from the City of Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue, Bureau of Code Compliance, the Department of Public Works and others will be on hand at Perkerson Park to offer public safety tips and address questions and concerns, especially concerning Districts 1 and 12. There will also be a school supply giveaway as well food and activities, including face painting and a moon walk for young people.

Comcast Cable Communications will sponsor “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” on a large outdoor screen starting at 9:00 p.m. Moviegoers can bring chairs, blankets, and their own food and beverages for the night time entertainment.

Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008.

National Night Out is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Perkerson Park event will be one of the largest National Night Out gatherings in the city.

For more information, to volunteer, or to register, go to www.atlantadistrict12.com or call Councilwoman Sheperd’s office at (404) 330-6053.