Rain at East Lake Park didn't deter neighbors from holding a night out against crime Tuesday.
"This is about unifying the community, showing criminals that we are together and we will not let them take over our neighborhood," said Lora Salter, East Lake Neighborhood Association president.
At least 22 Chattanooga neighborhood association or watch programs held events Tuesday night marking the National Night Out event. Many featured music, had games for children and served food, mostly barbecue.
This year marks the 27th National Night Out, according to event's website.
Chattanooga Police Lt. Nealie Hogg said these events and the monthly community meetings between police and neighborhood groups "establishes trust and bonds."
While eating a barbecue sandwich before heading off to other events in his zone, the lieutenant said the department receives lots of tips from such groups.
Residents of The Villages at Alton Park had manicures, a storyteller and a cool pool for the humid night.
Willie Hunter, who lives in the apartments at the complex, said the meetings are like a miniature Bessie Smith Strut and get the community together.
"If I see someone breaking into your house, I'm going to call," he said. "Because if they didn't get enough out of your house they're coming to mine."
At the intersection of Dodds Avenue and E. Main Street Cheryl McGary, wife of city Councilman Andrae McGary, led a 20-person march down the street.
The march was to connect multiple neighborhood groups that share Main Street as a boundary. McGary notes that with police help the formerly prostitute-laden street has improved.
"But usually on this street there are streetwalkers, women who are prostituting as well as men," she said. "We say if they are able to walk why can't we walk for something good and take back our streets?"
Continue reading by following these links to related stories:
Article: National Night Out planned for Aug. 3
Article: Residents commit to crime prevention on National Night Out