National Night Out Event Promises Entertainment, Public Safety Education

Communities across the nation will lock their doors and gather outside with their neighbors for National Night Out events Aug. 2.

Locally, and are sponsoring a major event Tuesday from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. with all sorts of activities for adults and children.

“The purpose of the event is to promote community involvement, awareness and crime prevention. We need residents just as much as they need us,” said Patrolman Patrick McKenna, tasked with organizing this year’s event.

“We’re grateful for all the local businesses who’ve donated food and prizes. We couldn’t do it with out them.”

Springfield held its first community night out event over a decade ago in the parking lot behind the Wawa on Saxer Avenue, McKenna said. It has since grown into a much larger occasion held at the pool, which will be open for swimming that night. 

This year’s event promises 30-40 tables with local groups, police and fire apparatus displays, local businesses providing food, government representatives and appearances from favorite local mascots.

The Pennsylvania Freemasons will have free sign-ups on site for its Masonic Child Identification (CHIP) Program. The program helps locate missing children.

Springfield Police Chief Joseph Daly recently told Patch the . This event is held to streghten the partnership between police and residents.

McKenna said hundreds of residents attend the event each year.

The event includes:

• Live Music by “The Third Floor” Band
• Food and drinks donated by local merchants
• Raffle prizes including a large flat screen TV, Phillies Tickets, etc. (All proceeds to benefit the Delco Hero Scholarship Fund)
• Special guest appearances by the Phillie Phanatic, Swoop and Eagles' Cheerleaders
• Police and Fire apparatus on display
• Children’s activities
• Representatives from local and county organizations/agencies on hand to provide crime prevention and health information
• PA Freemasons will be sponsoring the PA Masonic CHIP Program (Child Identification Program) free of charge and conducted on location. For more information about the CHIP service, visit the PA Masonic website.

Springfield Patch will be among the many represented at this event. Stop by our table for freebies and meet local editor and regional editor Tom Murray.

Be sure to check in as Springfield Patch will have photos of the event.

See you there!