National Night Out deadline for permits extended

Apply by Thursday for a free permit to close off your block for an Aug. 5 party.

Star Tribune

Last update: July 21, 2008 - 11:56 PM

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THE LATEST: Minneapolis residents now have until Thursday to file applications to have their block closed off for National Night Out parties without having to pay. Applications submitted after that will be subject to a $100 late fee. No applications for street closure will be accepted after July 31, the city said.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Originally the deadline was Tuesday, but the city extended the deadline two days, said Matt Laible, a city spokesman.

Thursday is the new deadline for National Night Out party organizers to register their event with the city and be eligible to win door prizes donated by Minneapolis businesses. Those who register their party with the city can request vouchers for discounted Minnesota Twins tickets and free passes to Mystery Park at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, child safety cards, name tags and door hangers.

The 25th annual National Night Out, which will take place on Aug. 5, is designed to bring neighbors together to build relationships, form block clubs and devise strategies for fighting crime.

LAST YEAR: There were 1,117 officially recognized National Night Out parties in streets, parks, yards and homes in Minneapolis with more than 62,000 people taking part. That ranked Minneapolis No. 1 in terms of participation for large cities in the United States.

Dakota County was ranked 22nd, according to the National Association of Town Watch.

Minnesota tied with Texas for the top spot in terms of overall statewide participation.

TIM HARLOW