CAMBRIDGE −National Night Out recently took place again in Cambridge City Park, connecting residents with area emergency responders and creating a sense of community.
According to the event website, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes law enforcement partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more nurturing places to live. National Night Out improves the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while restoring a true sense of community.
The event was popular in Guernsey County in the 1990s when it was organized by Metropolitan Housing. But it fell out of favor in the region for a while, until it made a triumphant comeback three years ago thanks to the help of local organizations and Cassie Springer.
Members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, Cambridge Fire Department and Cambridge Police Department stood in the parking lot next to the playground and spent the evening greeting visitors, talking to them and letting children look at the equipment and vehicles.
Guests could register under the pavilion and receive a free backpack, then pick up school supplies for the coming year at the tables.
Ohio Health, Lifewise Academy, People to People Counseling Services, New Pointe Church, the Salvation Army, United Way and more had tables full of pencils, glue sticks, candy and other supplies for kids to fill their bags with. WCMJ was on hand with Geno Riley broadcasting the event and handing out toys, stickers and more to attendees.
There was plenty of activity in the park, with children getting their faces painted, trying their hand at balloon throwing and even dunking local celebrities. Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr and Rolling Hills Superintendent Devon Dettra each took their turn in the dunk tank hot seat. Mini golf was available, as was a bouncy castle.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Cambridge Police Department’s K9 demonstrations. Chief Peoples and his team held the crowd at bay while Lt. Fred Wagner took a beating from three canine officers.
Numerous high school students helped families by escorting the school supply department and donating their volunteer hours. The Cambridge football team, Meadowbrook High School cheerleaders, Cambridge cross country and soccer teams all volunteered their time.
Jennifer Vincent, president of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, said, “Three years ago, we all as a group, the chamber, the Young Professionals of Guernsey County, the Citizens Police Academy, the sheriff’s office, the police, the fire department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, started putting this together. The sheriff’s office is kindly donating the food, the hot dogs, the water. The chips, Allen Hunter from State Farm, he’s donating all the Conns chips for us. It’s just a great group of community partners.”
The group has been meeting since April to organize the event. Vincent continues, “The kids are excited to baptize Mayor Orr. Superintendent Coffman has been there and Dettra is next. That’s what makes our community so great.”
For more information about National Night Out, visit https://natw.org.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: National Night Out brings community, first responders together
