Annandale/Mason neighborhoods celebrate National Night Out

Officers from the Mason Police Station meet residents of Camelot at a NNO potluck.

Neighbors all over the Annandale/Mason area celebrated National Night Out Aug. 4 with cookouts and block parties. Police officers and firefighters showed up at many of the gatherings, showing off their vehicles and offering safety tips.

NNO is a nationwide campaign to promote positive relationships between residents and law enforcement. It’s based on the idea that communities are safer when residents know and look out for one another.

A young resident of the Bren Mar Park community in the Alexandria area of Mason District gets a close-up look at a police car.

Sasha, a search and rescue dog with the Fire Department, visits Bren Mar Park.

The NNO gathering in the Adam's Walk neighborhood in Annandale.

Mollie Loeffler, candidate for Mason District supervisor, meets with police officers at The Parliaments in Annandale.

Southern Management handed out school supplies to young residents at The Parliaments' NNO gathering.

The NNO event at the Annandale Shopping Center featured games for kids, cotton candy, and a free screening of "Despicable Me 2."

NNO at Annandale Shopping Center.

Firefighters from the Seven Corners Fire Department came to the Sleepy Hollow NNO gathering.

Lots of neighbors turn out for NNO at Camelot.

NNO is a great opportunity to publicize community groups, like the Camelot Garden Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.