Madera's ‘largest block party’ on track for August

Only two weeks remain before the Madera Police Department hosts “the largest block party the city has ever seen” as an extension of National Night Out.

On Aug. 3, Madera police will host National Night Out Connect at the Madera District Fairgrounds from 4 to 9 p.m. Activities will include a barbecue, K-9 police dog demonstration, vehicle showcase, children’s games and more.

The free gathering will be the second of two meant to bring residents and city and county agencies together to celebrate the fifth annual National Night Out.

“One is going to be on Tuesday, August 1, which is a National Night Out celebration where Neighborhood Watch leaders and residents can organize a block party in their neighborhood,” said Sal Alhomedi, the city’s community outreach coordinator, “and they’ll be visited by elected officials and community leaders, including law enforcement.”

The night will be kicked off at the Madera County historic courthouse at 4 p.m. and then followed by neighborhood festivities from 5-9 p.m. Some of these block parties will be coordinated by local Neighborhood Watch leaders.

“Law enforcement, elected officials, and city staff will visit celebrating neighborhoods, starting at 5 p.m.,” according to the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Department. “In your neighborhood with your neighbors, you could organize a potluck, carnival, barbecue, ice cream social, kid’s games, and many more.”

So far 80 neighborhoods are expected to take part, but more are sought. Anyone who wishes to organize a neighborhood party should register it with the city at http://nno.madera.city.

“The theme of National Night Out is Americans united against crime,” Alhomedi said. “It really is an opportunity to create community camaraderie … We look forward to seeing you there.”

For information or to register a party, visit http://nno.madera.city.