Public invited to spend a National Night Out

Published 7:21 pm Friday, July 29, 2016

Food, entertainment, contests and more await the public on the nation’s official night out.

Tuesday is National Night Out, a campaign started to bring law enforcement and the communities they serve together to make a statement about crime.

“It sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,” said Kimberly Grimes, community outreach coordinator for Washington Police Department.

It’s also about making the community stronger and increasing awareness of police programs, such as Washington Police’s “Project I Live Alone,” which builds a support network for elderly or disable residents who live by themselves.

The nationwide celebration takes place in Washington at Beebe Memorial Park, located on North Bridge Street, from 6-8 p.m. While National Night Out varies from city to city and state to state, in Washington, it’s a community event, a block party with games, contests, a DJ, food and the support of many local businesses.

Zaxby’s is back with a second round of the hot wings eating contest; Hwy 55 has come on board with a hot dog eating contest. Watermelons will be supplied by Piggly Wiggly; pizzas by Mi Amor Pizzeria in Chocowinity and Little Caeser’s; shaved ice by Kona Ice; Wal-Mart’s donation of two bicycles for raffle — the business community has stepped in to support the community that supports it, Grimes said.

“This year, I actually had different organizations and businesses call me to say they wanted to participate. So the word is getting out and I’m excited about that,” Grimes said.

The event has historically drawn a large crowd, so large that people are being asked to park in the Ed Tech parking lot this year so first responders can leave if dispatched. That it’s an opportunity for neighbors to meet neighbors, and put a face to first responders serving the area, is also a draw, and an emphasis for Washington Police.

“We’re reinforcing what we’ve been doing for the past five years,” Grimes said.