Hatboro Launches First National Night Out

Hatboro joined communities across the nation Tuesday in celebrating National Night Out. The public safety initiative, which is aimed at boosting crime and drug prevention awareness, was a first for the borough. 

Held in the borough's municipal parking lot in the south end of town, the family-friendly event - which was sponsored by the and the featured kids activities like facepainting, as well as games and educational offerings. 

According to the National Association of Town Watch - the entity which sponsors local National Night Out events - more than 15,000 towns and 37 million people in all participated in the 2011 effort.

Meredith Baker, the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce's operations manager, said the borough intends to keep that tradition going locally.

"As a first time event, we are eligible through National Association of Town Watch to receive funding for our second annual event next year," Baker said in an e-mail, adding that she will be submitting a report and photos to the association's headquarters by Sept. 1. Baker said she expects to receive receive feedback by late October.