Families are invited to attend the annual National Night Out event today at Milligan Park.
Many local service agencies, churches, businesses and other organizations will come together from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to offer an evening of free family fun.
The event will be held from the north shelter to the south shelter of the park, with lots to do for all ages in the family. There will be a bounce house, an obstacle course, caricaturists, games, music, food and more. There will be some special shows, including Silly Safari. Valero Renewable Fuels will grill and serve hot dogs, chips and cookies. Popcorn, sno cones and other treats will be available as well as door prizes.
The event is part of a national program that seeks to strengthen the community and promote positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. The Crawfordsville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Crawfordsville Fire Department will be there to interact with children and pass out information. Additionally, many agencies including the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, Montgomery County Drug Free Coalition, Recovery Coalition, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Family Crisis Shelter, Pam’s Promise, FISH and more will distribute information about their services.
Karen Branch, YSB executive director, said the event is an opportunity to help make local neighborhoods more caring and safer, while promoting a drug free community.
“It’s no secret, there are substance use issues in our community and the more neighborhoods come together the more they trust law enforcement and the more likely they are to report things that they see so that may help us stop or reduce some of these issues that we have.”
National Night Out has been held in the community annually since 2012, except during the pandemic. Locally, the event draws 800 to 1,000 visitors. All are welcome.
