Another Huge Crowd Expected for City of Bridgeport's Annual National Night Out Event Set for The Bridge
By Jeff Toquinto on July 23, 2024
It is a couple of weeks away, but one of the biggest annual events in the City of Bridgeport is on the schedule.
On Tuesday, August 6, beginning at 6 p.m., The Bridge will be the site of the 2024 National Night Out event. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
“We’ll be having it at the multipurpose field area, which is where we’ve held it for the last couple of years,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers, who is also the current interim city manager. “It is the area beside the main outdoor baseball facility.”
The event has grown annually to the point where it had to be relocated a few years back. For the first several years Bridgeport held National Night Out – which is hosted by police departments across the country – it was at the Benedum Civic Center before the crowds were just too big.
“The new site has been great,” said Rogers. “It allows us to have a lot of open space, spread things out much better, and allow everyone to have room to move and not be on top of one another. That's important because we're expecting another massive crowd.”
The groups that show up are dozens of businesses, community groups, and agencies that will have items geared for children as well as families. There will be music, plenty of 
food and beverages, and multiple other types of recreational events.
food and beverages, and multiple other types of recreational events.
It is all free to those attending, and the attendance is generally in the thousands.
There will also be door prizes awarded as there are every year. However, there is one significant change that Rogers said will be for the better with that part of the event.
“This year, when you get a ticket for a chance to win a free prize, you will put your ticket in a basket for the prize group you want,” said Rogers. “That is the result of having adult tickets being drawn as winners for children’s prizes so this will eliminate that issue.”
As much fun as Rogers wants everyone to have, he also wants to make sure those attending get a chance to encounter the law enforcement professionals on hand.
“We want everyone to enjoy the music and the food, but we really want them to take a few minutes to meet the men and women of our department,” said Rogers. “This gives everyone at the event a chance to get to know one another in a friendly setting.”
Rogers also thanked local business and individuals who have donated time, products, and services to make the Bridgeport National Night Out one of the premier area events during the month of August.
“We’re super appreciative of every one of our sponsors and the state and federal agencies who attend to make this event an annual success,” said Rogers. “Their commitment to our program and to making National Night Out a positive experience does not go unnoticed by our department and the community”
As always, the evening will culminate after the annual fireworks show.
Individuals are encouraged to bring chairs to watch the fireworks, as well as the musical entertainment.
The list of monetary sponsors provided by the Bridgeport Police include: FOP, Leeson's Motor, Rominger Dental, Skasik’s, Thrasher Group, Winnie's / Main St Fitness, Hilltop Motor, Medbrook Children's Charity, George L Wilson, Johnstone Supply, Alfred Construction, Alfred Mobile Acres, Cap's Tonsorium, Quality Machine, Allstate-Bill Pulice, Jenkins Auto, Bridgeport Running, Manchin Clinic, KRB Kaufman Properties, State Farm- Andy Formica, Harry Green, Ascent, Chenoweth Ford, Dr. Grubler, Hero's Haven, Black Bear, Watchtower Insurance, Cava & Banko, Clean Team, Tenmile Land, KLX, Steptoe & Johnson, Maple Valley Meat Market, Graham Simon Plumbing, HD Truck Center, Dan Riggs, Mahindra, Burnside's Funeral Home, McNeely Realty, Eastern Gas, Mountaineer Honda, Dan Cava, Wash Rite, Homefinders Plus, Stretch Zone, Vanessa Rodriguez Attorney, AbrahamLinc, and Greer Law Office.
If interested in assisting, contact the department at 304-842-8260.
Editor's Note: Photos are from last year's National Night Out. Photos are by Joe LaRocca.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.