While many are bummed out that the annual fireworks display held in Bridgeport and hosted by WDTV was canceled this year, there is some good news to announce in the city on the entertainment front. Police Chief John Walker has confirmed the city will again host the National Night Out event.

 

Last year, like most festivities, National Night Out was scrapped due to COVID-19 concerns. This year, said Walker, it is back on with one very big change – the location.

 

Although many details are still in the planning stages, Walker said two things are certain. The date of the event will be Tuesday, August 3 and the location of the event will be at The Bridgeport Recreation Complex.

 

“We’re still breaking down how will utilize the facilities at the Rec Complex, but that is where it will be,” said Walker.

 

For those that do not know, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It has drawn crowds well into the thousands in the past when it has been held at the Benedum Civic Center and city pool.

 

“Without the city pool and being at anew location, we’re going to focus more on entertainment and try to increase the number of activities for kids to do,” said Walker.  “We’re for certain going to have a band and try to make sure it is a quality group.”

 

Walker said there will also be plenty of food and business vendors on hand to give out items. As usual, there will be no charge for any of the activities, food, or other items at the vendor booths.

 

Along with the Bridgeport Police being on hand to interact with the public, Walker said he hopes to have other first responders on hand. The chief said invitations will also be sent for other local, state, and federal departments to have representation at the event.

 

More details as planning gets closer to being finalized will be provided in the weeks ahead on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Photos, by Ben Queen Photography, are from the 2019 event.