North End National Night Out & Neighborhood Block Party on the Prado

National Night Out 2017 brought out hundreds of North End / Waterfront neighbors, Boston Police and local officials to the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) on Tuesday evening. North End Against Drugs (NEAD) organized the celebration.

Held in cooperation with North End Family Pride Week, Mayor Marty Walsh spoke at the event, joined by Police Commissioner William Evans and many of his command from local District A-1. Your editor was honored to receive a community service plaque presented by District A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong as part of the event.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity to bring neighbors and our local police together with a shared goal of stopping the violence and saving lives,” said Mayor Walsh. “We need everyone’s involvement to create safe neighborhoods and I’d like to thank those who work to create the strong community we have here in Boston.”

Thousands of communities across all fifty states participate in National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes collaboration between police officers and residents, making neighborhoods safer.

“The Boston Police Department prides itself on not only keeping our neighborhoods safe, but our work to get out in the community, build trust, work with our youth, and establish partnerships,” said Commissioner Evans. “It’s amazing what burgers and a conversation between a resident and police officer can do. These positive relationships with our residents are critical to reducing violence on the streets, and one of the best parts of our job is coming to events like National Night Out and connecting with our communities and neighbors.”

Many community groups and organizations setup tables in the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) for the party with free food and music by DJ Sal. A traditional candle lighting ceremony capped off North End National Night Out at the Prado fountain.