Morrisville Borough hosted a fun-filled family event at Williamson Park on Tuesday night. Along with fire officials and police officers, the event was held to allow neighbors and the community to get together, meet and become accustomed with one another as it was a “night out” for all.
Public officials, such as District Court Judge Michael Burns volunteered for the infamous dunk tank, face painting, raffles, and a myriad of informational tables from local businesses and state law makers decorated the park grounds for the National Night Out (NNO) event.
Image Credit: Jeff Bohen LevittownNow.com
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According to the National Association of Town Watch, NNO’s began in 1984 as way of bringing together resources from within communities to “…send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
The first NNO was held on August 7 in 1984, according to the NATW website.
Children, walking hand and in hand with mom, dad, brother, sister ping ponged from community offering to another.
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Morrisville Chief of Police George McClay said he hopes that similar events can become part of the every day fabric of the borough.
“Having a sense of community and an investment in the community you live in , brings a sense of pride,” McClay said, adding he hopes that community-based groups continue to work together towards creating that sense he’s discovered in his six months leading the department.
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Night Out organizers said they were truly encouraged by the response to the event and the turnout. A troupe of teenagers dressed in costume encouraged a little girl to pose with a princess for a pictures. It was beyond what they had hoped for.
Organizers estimated about 1,500 people attended the event that started at 6 p.m. Tuesday night and raised $650 for the Morrisville Police Association, organizers reported.
Jen Holthenrichs one of the many proud and hard-working volunteers before, during and after the event hopes bigger and better NNO’s are to come.
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If the turnout and buzz created Tuesday night are any indication, nights out for the community are just the beginning.
Holthenrichs said the next big event on tap for the neighborhood watch group will take place in October during fire prevention week with the borough fire company.
Image credit: Jeff Bohen LevittownNow.com
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Image Credit: Jeff Bohen
Image Credit: Jeff Bohen LevittownNow.com
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Reporter Hope Kumor contributed to this report.
