OTTAWA — Tonight is party night and everyone is invited. Ottawa’s first ever National Night Out Against Crime is tonight at City Park beginning at 6. Co-organizer Jennie Wolzen said there will be free hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy for what she calls a city-wide block party. The Night Oout is designed to help neighbors meet neighbors and to help connect them with police officers, Wolzen said. Because police can’t be everywhere, the first line against crime is in local neighborhoods, she said. People in other cities hold neighborhood block parties, said Police Chief Dennis Butler said. Often government and police officials attend the block parties to meet neighbors, he said. However, because this is a first time, National Night Out will be a city-wide block party at City Park, he said. Several city and county agencies will offer free hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy at City Park, as well as entertainment and education. There will be at least one neighborhood block party tonight, and that will be hosted by county commissioner David and his wife Helen Hood in the 1000 block of North Hickory.
Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m.
