By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — The NYPD held National Night Out celebrations across the Lower East Side Tuesday, mingling with local residents at parties from the East Village to Chinatown.
The Lower East Side's 7th Precinct held a huge event along East Broadway featuring dance performances, a petting zoo and carnival rides for the hundreds in attendance.
Chinatown's 5th Precinct celebrated with performances by the New York United Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, as visitors munched on free hot dogs and chatted with local police officers.
The East Village's 9th Precinct held its party on East Fifth Street in front the precinct house, grilling up goodies for local residents during the annual event.
The nationwide Night Out, now in its 27th year, seeks to create better drug- and crime-prevention awareness among local residents and strengthen community-police relations.