Make a splash: National Night Out to return to high school pool Aug. 2 after two-year hiatus

Monica Zalaznik
July 28, 2022

BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon Police Department and Upshur County Family Resource Network are bringing back National Night Out after a two-year reprieve due to COVID-19.

National Night Out is a free, community-building event that encourages residents to get to know their emergency responders in a fun, relaxed setting. The Upshur County National Night Out traditionally takes place at the Upshur County Pool, where food, games and prizes will be provided at no cost to families and attendees.

“The last year the event was held, 2019, brought about 650-plus community members out,” UCFRN director Lori Ulderich Harvey said. “We have also heard that we had one, if not the most successful NNO event in the local counties. It is vitally important that families and children see our local police officers in a positive light in an engaging, educational, and fun atmosphere.”

This year’s National Night Out will take place from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Upshur County Recreational Park Pool.

“It is a wonderful sight to see the emergency personnel in identifying T-shirts and such, but it is also great to see them joking with one another and those in attendance,” Harvey said. “It sheds a different light on our emergency responders as well as provides a free night of entertainment for our county, which some families struggle to provide their own families.”

Harvey said this event is only possible due to donations from the community.

“Monetary donations are welcome and will be used to provide live entertainment and/or additional door prizes. All donations will be sincerely appreciated and will help us achieve our goal of creating such a large event again this year,” Harvey said. “With the event not being held in the past two years, inflation, the increase in gas prices and more mental health issues than ever in our community and across the nation, our community needs this event.”

According to National Night Out’s website, the community building initiative works to promote improved community-law enforcement relationships. Read more about NNO here.