The status of another of Bridgeport’s biggest events is up in the air. And it likely comes a surprise to no one that it is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said the city’s annual National Night Out, which draws well over 1,000 people to the grounds of the Benedum Civic Center, said discussions are already taking place on how, or if, to proceed with the event this year.

 

“We haven’t canceled it and we’re looking at different options to see if it is feasible,” said Walker. “At this time, we haven’t reached a conclusion,” said Walker. “There are already obstacles we have to overcome no matter what transpires, but a portion of how we proceed will be based on regulations from the governor and the (Harrison County) Health Department.”

 

Another issue is location, which has never been an issue in the past. However, a huge part of National Night Out is a free night of swimming at the Bridgeport Municipal Pool. With the pool closed, the already cramped grounds of the Benedum Civic Center would become even more problematic.

 

The grassy pool area, as well as the area beyond the pool’s fence toward the Civic Center, are loaded with businesses providing free wares, food, and drink to those in attendance. Often, there are long lines with people pressed up against one another in hot and humid conditions.

 

Walker, however, does not want to scrap it even if that ends up happening.

 

“It is a huge community outreach program for us,” said Walker. “We would hate to wait 12 months to have our next one. This event is an opportunity for the community to get comfortable and get to know their police department and it’s also and opportunity for us to give back to the community and get to know them. I just hate the situation we’re in.”

 

The event has never had a limit on attendance. However, for anyone who has been to one of the past national nights out they know social distancing with the numbers in question would not be likely be problematic at the Civic Center.

 

“We’ve talked about it, and we’ve talked about combining it with family night,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr. “The issue is where to have an event of that scale where you are looking at thousands and thousands of people and trying to maintain required guidelines.”

 

While the event is in August, it is likely a decision would be made soon. The reason for that is simple – planning.

 

While vendors usually provide free services, locking down a date and getting agencies in place is done months in advance. Plus, any paid for services are generally booked by now, Walker said.

 

“We’d be full force into planning mode right now. Instead, right now we’re trying to figure out if we can have the event,” said Walker.

 

Editor's Note: Photos from past National Night Outs by Ben Queen Photography.