National Night Out a success
Published 10:08 am Wednesday, August 15, 2018
The newly revived National Night Out in Charlotte County proved a success with a large turnout at the Charlotte Court House Dixie Youth Baseball Field Aug.7.
According to the National Night Out website, “National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police/ community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.”
Additionally, National Night Out helps to enhance relations between neighbors and law enforcement all while creating a sense of community and encouraging the interaction of the police and community members in a positive setting.
“I think that National Night Out was a huge success and win for Charlotte County,” said Planning Committee Member Monique Williams. “It was a step in the right direction of building stronger community relationships and positively promoting connections for our law enforcement and first responders to our many children and families.”
Williams said as the event continues to move forward in the future, she hopes to see more local law enforcement, first responders, community partners/businesses, local board members and families come out to the event to share making the county a “safer and happier thriving community to work, live and raise families.”
The event ran from 4-7 p.m. and featured a variety of entertainment for all ages including music, food, school supplies, emergency vehicles, a bounce house, face painting, informational booths and more.
The start of the event featured a parade of law enforcement and emergency vehicles to kick off the event.
Participants and supporters were able to enjoy a hot dog dinner free of charge.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Virginia State Trooper James Gregory.
Gregory also provided the music for the evening.
The event was sponsored by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte County Victim Witness Program.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department was pleased with the turnout of National Night Out in the county and wanted to thank the community for coming out to support the event.
After a long hiatus in the county, National Night Out once again made an appearance, filling a void by providing a community building event in which many surrounding areas participate annually, said event information.
National Night Out is always held on the first Tuesday in August, according to their website and encompasses all 50 states, military bases and U.S. Territories.
“Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more said the website.
Additionally, localities can choose to participate in the national awards program to compete with communities with a similar population size during the National Night Out campaign. Donations were collected to help provide school supplies to give to school aged children who attended the event.