Alpha Media Topeka to Host Annual National Night Out Kickoff at Hy-Vee this Friday

Alpha Media Topeka, in conjunction with Shawnee Regional Prevention and Recovery Services (PARS), will host its annual National Night Out Kickoff this Friday, August 9, 2019, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm in the Hy-Vee parking lot, located at 2951 SW Wanamaker Rd. in Topeka. This is the second year that Alpha Media Topeka has partnered with Hy-Vee.

“We’re doing that to really give an opportunity for people to have that great accessibility off the streets, to come and hang out at the event,” said Alpha Media Topeka Promotions Director Jessica Dawkins. 

The public is invited to attend this event which features games, music, prizes, food, and fun.  But, the bigger goal is to connect citizens to resources within the community.

“It’s really just a chance for people and kids and families to come out (and) meet with our Topeka Police Department, and Topeka Fire Department, AMR, as well as some other organizations within our community that are really great resources for how to improve our community and how to make it a safer place,” said Dawkins.    

The official National Night Out event will, then, commence on Saturday, August 10th. In the Topeka area, more than 80 neighborhoods will host events that include everything from BBQ’s and pool parties to overnight sleepovers.

“Some neighborhoods have bounce houses, carnivals, and pool parties with live music and magicians,” said Safe Streets National Night Out Program Coordinator Judy Wilson.  “One of them, however, is an overnight (event). So, they’re going to have a movie starting at 8 o’clock. They are going to camp out and then they’re going to have breakfast the next morning.”

There is still an opportunity for people to register their neighborhoods for the Saturday event.

“All you need to do is call Safe Streets at 785-266-4606 or you can email me at [email protected],” said Wilson.  

The deadline to sign up is Thursday, August 10, 2019.