Troutman National Night Out to bring law enforcement, community together on August 3

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com

After a hiatus due to the pandemic last year, the Troutman Police Department will hold its National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Troutman ESC Park.

The TPD’s goal for the rain-or-shine event is to promote a police-community partnerships and increase town camaraderie while also highlighting local businesses and organizations.

The town will be cooking up hot dogs for guests along with passing out cold water bottles to beat the heat. Southern Treats will be scooping ice cream, and Dunkin’ Donuts and other area food businesses are also bringing free bites.

“This event brings the community together and helps build relationships between businesses and community,” said Interim Police Chief Darrin Payne.

“Officers will be there to engage with the community, and folks can ask questions of our guys. They’ll see that we’re there, we’re friends. We’re not always about writing tickets. Our guys are there to help.”

Some of the attractions include the splash pad, car seat checks, the ICSD mobile classroom, and a medicine drop. Payne is also firming up other kid-friendly activities.

Confirmed vendors include Iredell Safe Kids, Lowe’s, United Healthcare, Piedmont Dentistry, Guardians of the Children, Mitchell Community College’s BLET program fire truck and patrol car, Troutman Baptist Church, My Sister’s House, Subway, and Iredell County Health Department.

Extra handicapped parking will be available, as well as golf carts to transport those in need of assistance from outlying parking areas.

According to the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), which began the event in 1984, thousands of communities across all 50 states, the United States territories, Canada, and military bases worldwide will observe this annual event. Some 38 million people in 16,000 communities are expected to participate this year.

WANT TO SET UP A BOOTH?

If your business or organization would like to participate, please contact Payne ASAP at 704-528-7610, Ext. 500, or email him at dpayne@troutmannc.gov.

Carnival games, business freebies, and other fun activities would be welcome. Any groups with a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, or sno-cone machine to provide treats for the crowd would also be appreciated.