The annual National Night Out event on Riverside Parkway will take place this year on August 4 with social distancing in place.

Monica DeLancy, the event organizer, and the founder of the We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association, sent the following press release describing the event.

National Night Out Gets a COVID Makeover Riverside/Austell community Cobb County

National Night Out, a nationally celebrated community and law enforcement effort, is usually celebrated the first Tuesday of August annually. This year, however, though some communities are pushing their recognized date to October, Riverside/Austell community  has decided to take advantage of the great weather and stick to the tradition of the date but adding a few tweaks.  

Free masks will be given to attendants of the event and instead of a full community festival presence Or kickball tournament , a socially distanced respected event is expected. 

“This year we will be celebrating with a fun movie on the lawn,” shares Event Organizer Monica DeLancy. “We definitely want to respect community’s concerns with keeping every one safe but still keep guests entertained and engaged”

Among the movie on the lawn there will be refreshing complimentary beverages, school supplies provided by peace and kindness,  Census reminders and of course some sweet take aways on behalf of National Night Out against crime Supporters Amerigroup, Joyette Holmes, Shelia Edwards, Craig Owens, Diana Simmons, Gregory Shenton, Trina Griffiths and STING INC. 

This year’s National Night out will also be bittersweet as it is celebrated for the first time without Officer Rivion Cole. Former colleagues of Officer Cole will be in attendance to honor the memory of their brother.

Though there might be some changes this year, the event is one to be looked forward to and Riverside did not want to disappoint. 

“We are community and this is one of our key events. Law enforcement and our community officers look forward to engaging his way. The kids always have a good time too. We expect the smiles to be no different, just covered by a mask!” says DeLancy

Special thank you to community partners:  Cobb County Fire Department and  Cobb County Chairman Mike Boyce, District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid and planning team/ resident leaders  Brianne Perkins,  Dujuaba Webster, Georgia Tabb, Felicia Williams, Electria Barnes and Robin West. 

Gates open at 7pm and the movie will start at 8pm Blankets, Lawn chairs or beach towels are encouraged Complimentary masks will be provided Fun is guaranteed