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August
6, 2002
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Night Out loyals to hit parks, streets |
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Rain, mosquitoes may not thin
crowds
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| Officials think neither foul weather nor mosquitoes will keep most Jefferson Parish residents from celebrating this evening's National Night Out Against Crime. | "We're down about 10 from last year," Kenner crime prevention officer Ken Marroccoli said. Many who canceled because of rain last year told Marroccoli they wouldn't be able to host a party this year. | |
| This annual block party, now in its 19th year, encourages citizens to turn on their porch lights, get out and get to know their neighbors and law enforcement officials. | "But there's still a lot of commitment to National Night Out . People said they're going to chug on." | |
| Activities range from small pot-luck get togethers and barbecues to elaborate block parties with face painting and live music. | Official said they doubt that concern over the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, will keep residents away. | |
| There are expected to be more than 70 parties in Metairie, Kenner, Harahan and River Ridge. | "I think most people are aware. They're going to protect themselves," Pearson said. | |
| "I would expect a good turn-out," said Maj. Nancy Pearson, commander of community relations for the Sheriff's Office. "Most of them will go on rain or shine." | Officers from the Harahan Police Department plan to make their way to the scheduled events. | |
| Last year, downpours, flooding and lightning caused many to cancel their parties or relocate indoors. National Weather Service meteorologist Dana Griffin said the skies should be a bit more forgiving this time. | "We're going out to each one and thank the people and reassure them that the city of Harahan is as safe as its always been," said Capt. Joseph Schaub, commander of operations. | |
| Today's forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of rain. Griffin said he doesn't expect any trouble from Tropical Storm Bertha, or whatever's left of it. Bertha should be well to the west of the metro New Orleans area by this should suppress any major rain. | Pearson will be testing a new digital fingerprinting process at the Suburban Terrace Civic Association's neighborhood cookout that will be held at Jefferson Playground, 4100 South Drive, Jefferson. | |
| "It's not looking bad at all," he said Monday afternoon. But last year's nasty weather is taking the blame for a drop in the number of Night Out Parties in Kenner. | The Sheriff's Office will scan fingerprints and take digital photos of children starting at 5:30 until the materials run out. | |