Pre-night Out event set

For the 13th year in a row Abington Township is joining the National Night Out movement by hosting a Pre-Night Out block party Aug. 6.

“It’s going to be a beautiful night and a lot of fun,” said David Rondinelli, the events organizer.

Pre-Night Out is described as Abington’s “biggest block party” and is a precursor to National Night Out that takes place Aug. 7. With the slogan, “Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party,” National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event celebrated by towns throughout the United States.

“The Pre-Night Out event is to encourage families to turn on their porch lights, sit outside and spend time with their neighbors Aug. 7,” Rondinelli said. “It lets the bad guys know we are watching and shows them we want them to get out of our town.”

Rondinelli said he is expecting nearly 3,000 people to attend.

“You know when your on the boardwalk at the beach and all you see is heads, this is what the event reminds me of, [that’s how crowded it gets],” he said.

Rondinelli said that the event will have things the whole family will enjoy.

Kids will have the opportunity bowl for bucks with the Thunderbird Lanes’ Bowling for Bucks game and watch the Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theatre. Abington police Officer Dan Fisicaro and his K-9 partner, Matthews will preform demonstrations, in addition kids can get a balloon creation from a happy clown and get their face painted. Children will also have the chance to say hello to McGruff, the crime prevention mascot.

Parents can purchase rain barrels that will be sold by the Abington Environmental Advisory Council, purchase UDIflH WLFNHWV WR wLn FDVK SUL]es ranging from $50 to $1,000 and visit the PA Chapter of the $PHULFDn 3HGLDWULFV 7UDIfiF Injury Division, the Abington Community Task Force, the Abington YMCA, the Montgomery County SPCA, the $ELnJWRn fiUH FRPSDnLHV, WKH Montgomery County Bomb Squad and Forensic Unit displays to name a few.

Rondinelli said community members will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Block Watch, an organization recruiting residents to keep a protective eye on their neighborhoods.

“I want people in the community to meet new people and get to know what’s available in their community,” he said.

Party-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy the Timony Irish Dancers, see members of the Abington Police SWAT team give a presentation or listen to the musical styles of the Cass-anova Wazel Soundland and First Class Entertainment DJs who will be preforming throughout the evening.

There will so be a concesVLRn VWDnG fiOOHG wLWK EORFN party favorites such as pizza, hotdogs, cotton candy, water ice and beverages.

The event is sponsored by the Abington Township Joint Town Watch Council, the Abington Township Police Department and the Abington Radio Associated Citizens’ Teams.

The Pre-Night Out block party will be held in the Target parking lot located on Old York and London roads from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The rain date is Aug. 7.

“I’m proud of everyone who put this event together,” Robindelli said. “Each year we try to change things up and do something different. [It’s gonna be another fun night out].”