The City of Plymouth will join with other organizations statewide to celebrate Night to Unite, the annual crime prevention event Tuesday, Aug. 5. To begin the festivities, a free kickoff event will be held 2:30-5 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N., followed by neighborhood block parties. Watch the video on YouTube.

Kickoff Event
Residents and community members are encouraged to bring their families and stop by the Night to Unite kickoff 2:30-5 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.

This annual event provides a way for community members to gather together to meet each other and local public safety crews. Plymouth Police and Fire crews – with their respective vehicles – will be present and ready to interact with residents.

Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Drugs
This year's kickoff will feature the law enforcement prescription drug take-back program. Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted or unused medications - which will be collected and properly disposed of through Hennepin County's medicine drop box.

Kickoff Attractions
The kickoff will also will feature Police K9s, the SWAT team, a dunk tank for police officers and firefighters, a blood drive, a North Memorial helicopter, a cancer remembrance banner, fire trucks, police cars, inflatable bouncers, games, a Hennepin County water rescue boat, T-shirts for sale and free refreshments.

Unite With Neighbors to Fight Cancer
This year's event will also provide a way for neighbors to unite with other neighbors in the fight against cancer. The Plymouth Fire Department will sell T-shirts and operate a dunk tank, which will serve as fundraisers for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund – a local nonprofit organization. Randy Shaver will be present at the event with the foundation.

There is no cost to attend the event; it's open to the public. For more information, call the Plymouth Police Department at 763-509-5160.

Block Parties
After the kickoff, residents are encouraged to turn on their lights, lock their doors and step outdoors to meet their neighbors. Night to Unite is promoted nationally by neighborhood watch groups as a way for neighbors to bond with each other and help prevent crime.

Each neighborhood can decide how to celebrate Night to Unite. Gatherings can be elaborate or simple and include ideas such as block parties, live music, dunk tanks, parades, games, potlucks, pizza parties, dessert buffets and cookouts. Plymouth Police or Fire department personnel will visit many registered block parties throughout the city.

To register a block party, visit plymouthmn.gov/ntu. For planning ideas or more information, call 763-509-5198.