From chicken to hotdogs; live music to canine demos, National Night Out promises to be a blast of food, fun and swimming. As always, the event is geared toward community fun and law enforcement education.

 

The event is set for 6:30 p.m. Tues., Aug. 5 on the grounds of Bridgeport Pool and Benedum Civic Center. Everything – from admission to the pool to the food products of various vendors – is free.

 

Several drawings will be held with attendees having opportunity to win one of several prizes 

 

The event is a major organizational effort and one which draws upwards of 2500 visitors annually. And in addition to the free fun, it does serve an important purpose. 

 

“National Night Out is a night for the community to meet and interact with the police in a laid-back setting – not in the face of a tragedy or emergency,” said Deputy Police Chief Randy Hartley. “We want the kids and members of the public in general to know that when they are in trouble, they can count on the police. And the only way for us to solve crimes is with the help of the public. This gives us a chance to get to know the community a little better so we can better serve the community.”

Several members of the Bridgeport Police Department will be on hand, as will the city’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) and fire department personnel.  Also represented will be the FBI, West Virginia State Police and West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

 

The Bridgeport Police Department Canine Unit will perform a drug location demonstration the FBI will demonstrate the detection of explosives and bomb residue. The FBI will also offer fingerprint services. 

 

Several area restaurants and other businesses will be on hand with free food items and beverages. Also participating will be The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport, local civic groups and Bridgeport Parks and Recreation staff. 

 

National Night Out is a huge undertaking, one which takes a great deal of manpower to facilitate, Hartley said.

 

Attendees are welcome to swim, sample food items and enjoy live entertainment, which will include various genres of music. 

 

National Night Out will run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and will conclude with a fireworks display. 

 

“This is a huge community-sponsored and supported event and we look forward to having it every year,” Hartley said.

 

Parking will be available at Bridgeport Pool and the city lot across Main Street from the Benedum Civic Center.

 

Editor's Note: Photos of 2013 National Night Out by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography, www.benqueenphotography.com