A storm moving through the area cut short Saturday’s National Night Out observances in Richmond Hill and Pembroke.

The threat of severe weather caused organizers to shut down Richmond Hill's Night Out at J.F. Gregory Park about halfway through its scheduled four hours.

Before that, a good crowd enjoyed live music, free hot dogs and drinks, a dunking booth, crafts, games, water slides, emergency services displays and informational booths.

Pembroke wasn’t quite as fortunate. Pembroke began its Night Out program at DuBois Square an hour later than Richmond Hill’s, and got through little more than the Pledge of Allegiance and presentation of colors before rain and lightning rolled in.

Night Out is an annual event promoting neighborhood camaraderie and police-community partnerships to make neighborhoods better and safer places to live. The nationwide campaign began more than 30 years ago as a “night out” against crime.

For more pictures from Richmond Hill's National Night Out observance, visit the photo gallery in the Community section of www.bryancountynews.com.