Watch people throw dodgeballs at each other at National Night Out

We’ve been trying to think of something better than watching members of the Concord police and fire departments chuck dodgeballs at each other.

So far the only thing we’ve come up with is when you add members of local businesses and organizations to the mix, all while enjoying some affordable eats. And thousands of others doing the exact same thing.

But the annual Badge Ball Tournament is just one of the great things you can expect to enjoy next Tuesday (that’s Aug. 4) at Rollins Park as part of Concord’s National Night Out. Last year, organizers estimated more than 3,000 people attended.

“It’s grown exponentially,” said Ryan Howe, community resource officer for the Concord Police Department and one of the organizers. “It’s nice to see everybody come together for one night, and we do our best to prepare for the numbers.”

The annual event, which will be held rain or shine and runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m., promotes cooperation between local police departments and their communities and is in its 32nd year as an initiative of the National Association of Town Watch, Inc.

“We’ve been fortunate the last three years where we’ve had great weather,” Howe said.

The program is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and, most importantly, send a message to criminals – letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. You hear that bad guys?

And what better way to approach an important matter then mixing in a little fun. So here’s some of the things you can expect to see: there will be an inflatable bouncy slide, rock climbing walls, kids activities, contests and a zoo exhibit. Area police, fire, construction and military are also participating in Touch-A-Truck, where you can check out all the bells, whistles, horns and sirens.

Since it’s about educating the public as well, there will be dozens of information displays, fire safety, bicycle safety and K-9 demonstrations, along with DJ Nazzy controlling the tuneage to help dance the night away.

“We want to promote health, safety and wellness,” Howe said. “And it’s gotten so large that businesses and organizations reach out to us and want to be a part of it.”

Now back to the affordable food. All the good eats will be just $1 and include pizza, hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, fried dough, ice cream, lemonade and more. Food tickets can be purchased at the gazebo.

“We like to keep the costs low,” Howe said.

The event is free and there will be a shuttle from the Rundlett Middle School/Abbot-Downing School parking lot, where people are encouraged to park. There will be handicap parking at the north end of the park and some roads around the park will be closed.

You’ve been looking for a night out on the town and we’re pretty sure we’ve made a compelling argument for this to be it.

“You can stay for five minutes or you can stay for the whole time,” Howe said. “I just encourage everybody to come down and experience it.”

For more, visit concordnh.gov/police.

Author: Tim Goodwin

Share This Post On

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Newspaper Family Includes:

Copyright 2024 The Concord Insider - Privacy Policy - Copyright