ENFIELD/SOMERS — National Night Out is a community-building campaign that is run all over the country, promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It is typically hosted on the first Tuesday of the month of August. The event was established by Matt Peskin in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has taken place annually since 1984.
The purpose of National Night Out is to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch and other anti-crime efforts. It is also an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
On Aug. 6, the towns of Enfield and Somers are encouraging folks to come out for an evening of fun and festivities.
Enfield National Night Out will take place on the Town Green, 820 Enfield St., from 6-8 p.m. There will be a K9 demonstration, drone demonstration, face painting, arts and crafts and a restaurant disseminating pizza.
The U.S. Army and Air Force recruiters will be participating this year allowing the youth to interact with the men and women who serve their country.
Sergeant Steven Austin of the Enfield Police Department was in the community policing unit for a couple years. His goal is always community outreach and community relations.
“We essentially want everybody to be able to have conversations with first responders and get to know some faces of the people that are serving the community,” Austin said. “The most important takeaway is that I want people to show up, have fun and do it in a safe way. It is key to have those interactions with first responders, especially for young kids to do so in such a positive manner.”
Somers is expecting to have a variety of activities for people of all ages at their National Night Out at Field Road Park, 96 Field Rd. from 5-8 p.m.
Prevention Coordinator Arianna Flagg who works in the Human Services Department said, “This will be the second year we host the event and we’re excited to hopefully welcome some new community members this year. We want to make this event open to all community members of all abilities.”
Many local groups and organizations are participating and contributing to this year’s event. Some of these groups include the Parks and Recreation Department, Somers PTO Club, Somers Public Library, and much more.
The event will have some concession stands with free food, samples from Daily Grind Healthy Hangout and live DJ entertainment. In addition, the gymnastics company SOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics will do some demonstrations.
“Our primary goal is to emphasize the importance of community unity and cooperation in terms of prevention, preventing crime, building safer neighborhoods and building positive relationships throughout the entire community,” Flagg stated. “Getting familiar with first responders and seeing a familiar face when you’re out and about, especially if you’re in a time of help or need. We’re hoping to build sustainable relationships even after the event is over.”
