National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Much of the country recognizes National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August. The day of recognition officially began in 1984.
The special day promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from in all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. Montgomery County neighborhoods will join in the tradition of hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events.
Among the celebrations across the County will be:
- The County’s The Upcounty Hub, in collaboration with the County Government, Montgomery County Police and Montgomery College, will bring together local agencies and nonprofit groups for the special community event from 6-8 p.m. at the Montgomery College Germantown Campus (Parking Lot 5). The campus is located at 20200 Observation Dr. in Germantown. The event will include opportunities to meet with local law enforcement and first responders, safety demonstrations and informational booths, activities for kids and families, free food and refreshments, live entertainment, music, raffles and giveaways.
- The East County Regional Services Office, in collaboration with the East County Consolidated HUB, Calverton Citizens Association and the County Police District 3, will host an event from 4-7 p.m. at the East County Government Park and Ride Lot at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road in Briggs Chaney. The event will have police vehicles, fire trucks, face painting, music, free food and water, community information/resources booths, games for children, WorkSource Montgomery mobile jobs/employment van and a soccer mini-clinic. The event will include opportunities to meet with local law enforcement and first responders.
- Olney’s 29th National Night Out celebration from 5-8 p.m. at the Shops at Fair Hill, located at Olney-Sandy Spring and Spartan Roads. The event will include representatives of sponsors including the Olney Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Police Department’s 4th District, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Recreation and the Shops at Fair Hill.
- In the City of Rockville, McGruff the Crime Dog will stop by several of the scheduled block parties to spread his anti-crime and anti-drug message. The Rockville Mayor and Council, Rockville police officers and representatives of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office will visit many of the block parties.
- The City of Gaithersburg will have numerous block parties, including an event from 6-8 p.m. at the Casey Community Center, which is located at 810 South Frederick Ave. Residents will have an opportunity to meet police officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department and allied agencies. There will be chances to explore police cruisers and learn about a wide range of safety topics while enjoying music from a DJ. There will be line dancing demonstrations, acoustic melodies, crafts, games and giveaways. This year’s event includes a community resource fair with agencies that provide services ranging from health screenings, financial and housing advice, plus food assistance, educational and literary resources.
