Blair County’s Night Out Against Crime events set

Planned activities begin on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County residents are being urged to participate in the 40th annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, with activities planned in Altoona and Duncansville starting at 6 p.m.

The Blair County Sheriff's Office is promoting the events in both locations, as well as a related "Night at the Pool," event scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Tyrone Community Pool.

National Night Out Against Crime events are planned as ways to heighten community awareness of ongoing efforts to prevent crime and illegal drug use, according to a news release that Sheriff James Ott distributed about the upcoming events. The events are also designed to generate support for local anti-crime efforts, to strengthen community spirit and to encourage partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

At Tuesday's event in Altoona, officers with the Logan Township and Altoona police departments, community organizations and businesses will gather at the downtown Heritage Park to distribute information and to engage with those attending. The festivities will begin at 6 and run until 9 p.m. There will be food trucks, vendors and a dunk tank. There is no charge to attend.

Tuesday's event in Duncansville starts with a parade through town, ending at the Duncansville Antique Depot parking lot where law enforcement agencies, community agencies and businesses will set up displays and tables. Duncansville's event also features a vehicle show, with best in class honors bestowed in three categories: car, truck and motorcycle. Registration is free starting at 5:15 p.m. and anyone can participate.

The Duncansville event will wrap up with fireworks at 9 p.m., provided by Brumbaugh Fireworks Display Inc.