This may very well be a big step in the right direction towards coming together to solve our safety concerns. Tonight (Tuesday August 5) is Belltown's Night Out event. The purpose of this free event is to foster a viable social and safety network among Belltown neighbors.
There are several blocks that are participating including Regrade Off-Leash area at 3rd & Bell (commonly known as the Belltown Dog Park). Starbucks will provide refreshments, and watermelon is being donated for human consumption and dog biscuits for the canines. Glow-sticks will be distributed to attendees for wearing on limbs, leashes, and collars -- creating a visual spectacle as the participants "Take a Chomp out of Crime". The timing there is from 8-11pm. Other participating blocks involved are all on Vine Street, from 1st Ave on down to Elliott.
A 1/2 block of Vine Street (from Post Alley to Western) will be closed to traffic from 7-10pm. There will be a canopy tent at the Beckoning Cistern (right in front of 81 Vine)...that is where neighbors and safety officials can gather and meet, and where the prizes, give-aways, entertainment, informational materials, and refreshments will be concentrated. Attendees can start from there and go to the P-Patch and Cottage Park for tours of the gardens from 7-9pm. Generally speaking, the festivities will be ongoing rather than programmed (potluck, raffle, live music, visits by public safety officials, group walks, etc.).
Sponsors, underwriters, and donors so far include: Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods "Small Sparks" grant (will match up to $250 in donated supplies, volunteer labor, and cash contributions); the Belltown Business Association ($250 cash donation), El Gaucho (3 - $100 gift certificates); Cherry Street Coffeehouse (on-site coffee and pastries, etc.); Bellino's Coffee ($50 gift certificate); Exofficio Travel Clothing (4-gift bags, valued at over $300); Platinum Co. (auto detailing, valued at $400); Lava Lounge (merchandise, $15 value); Belltown Feed & Seed ($10 gift certificate); Mama's Mexican Kitchen ($30 gift certificate); The Home Office (printing of flyers and posters, etc.); Casuelita's Caribbean Café (food platter, $50 gift certificate), Mars Hill Church (canopy tents); 81 Vine Homeowners Association (stage platform); and the Sunset House Tenants (volunteer labor, tables & chairs). The Millionaire Club is supplying bottled water.
Additional assistance is welcomed, and you are asked to spread the word to patrons, friends, and neighbors. Click here for more information.
