MONROE — Green County and the Village of Brodhead are planning separate major events as part of the 2024 National Night Out across the country.

National Night Out is a gathering of communities across the nation to bring citizens, businesses, churches, law enforcement — everyone in the community — together. Initially, in many places, it began as a symbol of women and victims generally taking back the nighttime hours, when most crime occurs. 

The modern incarnation is usually a chance for police and other first responders to build ties with the community.

Indeed, there are 136 separate events listed for National Night Out 2024 in Wisconsin alone.

According to the Rotary Club, which has chapters working to help put on the event in communities across the country, the goals of National Night Out here are lofty and include:

●  Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;

●  Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;

●  Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and

●  Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Organizers of the Green County event at Twining Park on Aug. 1 are expecting more than 500 people to attend. The event there will go from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Monroe Common Council had the local National Night Out on its agenda for its Monday, July 15 meeting.

In Brodhead, this year’s event is scheduled for August 13 and represents the 10th annual local National Night Out celebration. The free event at Jaycee Park is sponsored in part by the Brodhead Police Association, the Brodhead Lions and the Brodhead Optimists Club, which also are contributing food.

Among other benefits, the family events give kids and even adults a chance to see police officers and other first responders and their equipment up close.