LORAIN – For the first time, the city of Lorain will join communities nationwide to celebrate ‘National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime’ from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 5, gathering on Pearl Avenue between 28th and 30th streets.
Sheffield Township, in its eight year of participation, will celebrate the event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at St. Lad’s Picnic Grounds, 4220 Clinton Ave., Lorain.
The Performance Arts Community Education Foundation, in collaboration with Lorain community leaders, Pastor Angel Arroyo and Tim Carrion, are hosting the Lorain event.
Organizers said they hope to bring the Lorain community closer.
Arroyo said the 30th Street area was chosen because of its criminal activity.
‘That area of the city has drug activity, it has gang violence and it has homicide cases that have not been solved,’ he said. ‘This event is bringing together Lorain police, businesses and community organizations to come together and build a bridge with Lorain citizens.’
The event will include musical guests, speakers, vendors, childrens’ activities, public officials and law enforcement.
‘This is a time for the city of Lorain to come together and celebrate,’ Carrion said. ‘Lorain needs an event like this, an event that brings together people of the community and law enforcement, paving the way for a better Lorain.’
National Night Out promotes involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Carrion said it also works to send a message to criminals, letting them know that communities are not only organized, but fighting back.
‘We get to celebrate that we get to live a comfortable life here, because our law enforcement keeps us safe and does a good job in keeping things in order,’ he said. ‘This event goes on nationally in 1,200 cities across the country.
‘The original reason for this event was to empower the Lorain community again for neighborhoods to acknowledge that this was their home and that they need to play their role in keeping it safe and clean and have pride in it.’
There is a need to have events like this so the Lorain community understands the need for empowerment, Carrion said. This is a chance for residents to start leveraging their potential.
‘We will celebrate getting over our apathy and starting to move things forward,’ Carrion said.
An estimated 400 to 500 people are anticipated to attend the Lorain event. There will be hot dogs and soft drinks and music.
‘National Night Out is a big step for the Lorain community, as we start to build a relationship and recognize the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line for us,’ Arroyo said.
Arroyo said 23 community agencies are involved in promoting and participating in the event.
Groups including 360 Marketing and Media in Lorain and dot.com ministry are involved in the marketing aspect of the event, he said.
‘We’ve incorporated safety awareness along with crime prevention,’ said Chad Parsons, Sheffield Township trustee of their event.
‘Each year, participants include Lorain County Sheriff Child I.D. Program, Sheffield Township Fire and EMS, the Smoke House-fire safety program for kids, a medical helicopter and hot dogs, chips and drinks. This year, we also have clowns and balloon art.’
