National Night Out set

Published 11:13 am Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Charlotte County will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of National Night Out Aug. 7 at the Charlotte Court House Dixie Youth Ballpark.

Event information said the event will run from 4-7 p.m. and feature a variety of entertainment for all ages including music, food, school supplies, emergency vehicles, a bounce house, face painting, informational booths and more.

Information from the event said a parade of law enforcement and emergency vehicles would kick off the event.

Additionally, a hot dog dinner would be provided. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be sponsored by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte County Victim Witness Program.

After a long hiatus in the county, National Night Out is once again making an appearance, filling a void by providing a community building event in which many surrounding areas participate annually, said event information.

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.

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 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.

Currently, donations are being collected to help provide school supplies to give to school aged children who attend the event. For more information contact Michelle Dunn at (434) 542-5141 or mdunn@cchsheriff.com.