Published on Wednesday, July 6, 1994
© 1994 The Arizona Republic

Byline: By Ryan Konig, Staff writer

A few weeks from now, tens of thousands of people will huddle around barbecue grills that have been wheeled into barricaded streets throughout Phoenix.

The city's biggest annual block party -- National Night Out -- is a weeklong celebration beginning July 23. It's to feature neighborhood, regional and citywide events.

Phoenix's celebrations will coincide with events held throughout the nation to encourage neighbors to meet and set up Block Watch programs in an effort to reduce crime.

This year, the focus is on teenagers, said Richard Fox, president of the Phoenix Block Watch Advisory Board, which is helping to organize local events.

''Statistics have shown that 5 percent of the kids are committing the juvenile crimes. That leaves 95 percent who are doing just fine and we want to highlight them,'' Fox said.

''As for the other kids, we want to use this event to show them that there are alternatives to being in gangs or getting into trouble.''

Organizers are trying to get as many neighborhoods to register for National Night Out as possible. Last year, more than 240 neighborhoods informed the Police Department and the Block Watch Advisory Board of planned block parties. Registration information is available by calling 253-5020.

Several events are scheduled for the celebrations, including regional and citywide kickoff parties:

--> July 23 at Tower Plaza, 3883 E. Thomas Road. More information: 275-2991.

--> July 24 at Paradise Valley Mall, 4568 E. Cactus Road. More information: 996-8840.

--> July 29 at Westridge Mall, 7611 W. Thomas Road. More information: 245-1400.

--> July 30 at the new Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St. More information: 253-5020.

--> July 31 at Chris-Town Shopping Center, 1703 W. Bethany Home Road. More information: 249-0670.

The citywide event, set for July 30, is called the Neighbors Who Care Fair. It will begin with a gathering in the lobby of the new City Hall.

The gathering will feature information about government and civic programs to improve neighborhoods. It's set for a 4 p.m. start.

At 8 p.m., people will be invited to participate in the Freedom March to the Arizona Center, 300 E. Van Buren St. Bottled water and bus rides back to City Hall will be provided.