FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/6/2007 

MEDIA ALERT

THOUSAND EXPECTED TO TURN OUT FOR

Citywide 2007 National Night Out Celebration

WHAT:      The citywide celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo is this year's cornerstone celebration for the 2007 National Night Out. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend and enjoy the evening activities, which include food, beverages, and family friendly entertainment.

Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis will also honor the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups and the Crime Fighter of the Year. Many others will also be recognized for their ceaseless commitment to community and safe neighborhoods.

Sponsor tents from Target, The Mass Medical Society, ADT, The Neighborhood Crime Watch unit, and others will be providing giveaways and valuable information. Also attending will be the ReadBoston Storytelling Van, The Fire House for Kids, The Family Van, The Suffolk Country Sheriffs Office, The District Attorney's Office, CrimeStoppers with information about the Text "Tip" to CRIME program, and the Grill Truck by Kayem Foods.

WHO:             Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis,

Boston Police Command Staff, The Boston Police Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit, President and CEO of the Franklin Park Zoo John Linehan.

WHEN:              Tuesday, August 7, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

                        5:00 to 6:30 PM, Zoo attractions, Food, and Entertainment

                        6:30 to 7:00 PM, Top Ten and Crime Fighter of the Year presentation by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Commisioner Ed Davis

                        7:00 to 8:00 PM, Zoo attractions.

WHERE:        Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Boston MA Speaking program will take place on main stage, closest to Franklin Park Zoo's Zebra Entrance (at Peabody Circle). 

ABOUT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

National Night Out Boston 2007 is the 24th annual citywide celebration to unify our communities throughout the City of Boston. This program cultivates and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, Police, city agencies and community-based organizations. National Night Out also acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Neighborhood Crime Watch groups, and seeks to increase participation in Neighborhood Crime Watch programs among local residents.

ABOUT TARGET, THE NATIONAL SPONSOR OF NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2007

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,502 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. "Target welcomes the opportunity to partner with law enforcement to address issues impacting our guests and team members," said Greg LaPre, district assets protection team leader, Target.  "By working together, we can build stronger, safer communities for our families, friends and neighbors."

ABOUT ZOO NEW ENGLAND'S FRANKLIN PARK ZOO

Zoo New England manages Boston's  Franklin Park Zoo, as well as the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts.   Our mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.   Franklin Park Zoo recently completed a $2.3 million renovation on its signature western lowland gorilla exhibit, which is now considered to be one of the most innovative and intimate gorilla exhibits in the world.  Other highlights of Franklin Park Zoo's collection include lions, tigers, zebras, kangaroos, ostriches, wildebeest and many other species from around the world.    " We greatly appreciate our long-standing partnerships with the city of Boston, the Boston Police Department, and our local community leaders, and we are honored to have the opportunity to host next Tuesday's National Night Out city-wide celebration.   We welcome people from throughout Boston's neighborhoods to join us for an unforgettable, fun evening in the heart of our city," said David Hirschberg, Zoo New England's Vice President of Institutional Advancement.