National Night Out (NNO) is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, hold block parties, and get to know their neighbors. NNO is a way to discourage crime and promote community-police partnerships. It’s also a great way to enjoy a summer evening.
National Night Out is always the first Tuesday in August (Aug. 6 this year). 2013 is the 30th year for this nationwide celebration.
In Minneapolis, if you and your neighbors want to block off your street or alley, you can do so for free through July 23; however, not all streets can be blocked off, depending on traffic flow. From July 24 through Aug. 1, there is a $100 fee. After Aug. 1, no applications for blocking off a street will be allowed. You will need permission from 75% of your neighbors to be approved for street closure. Although you no longer have to include the names and contact information of those agreeing to the street permit, you should keep their names and addresses handy in the event your permit application needs to be reviewed.
Even if you don’t want to block off your street, you should still register your event. Crime prevention staff want to know how many block events were held for reporting purposes. In past years, Minneapolis has been a leader nationally in NNO participation. In addition, when you register, you will receive Mystery Point Passes for Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America to hand out at your block party. There is no charge to register.
Registering your NNO event is simple. If your block registered last year, the organizer (you or another neighbor) received an e-mail regarding your registration. If none of the details since last year’s registration have changed, just hit reply and say “YES”; crime prevention staff will enter your registration for you. If you had your street permit approved last year, it will also be approved for this year!
If you need to change any details or if you are registering for the first time, use the online form at https://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/blockeventapp/ApplicantInformation.aspx or call 3-1-1 and staff will enter your registration.
June 10–16 is the official planning week for NNO in Minneapolis.
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