National Night Out moves to Waterfront Park

August 6, 2018 8:30 am
Islanders compete against Police Chief Matthew Hamner (far right) in the doughnut-eating contest at last year’s National Night Out. (Luciano Marano | Bainbridge Island Review)
Islanders compete against Police Chief Matthew Hamner (far right) in the doughnut-eating contest at last year’s National Night Out. (Luciano Marano | Bainbridge Island Review)

There’s a new venue this year for National Night Out: The Bainbridge Island Police Department’s big community to-do will be held at Waterfront Park, but will still feature all the familiar free family fun, food and games from years past, plus a few new ones.

The 35th annual National Night Out is 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7. In addition to free Costco hot dogs, as well as root beer floats, popcorn and doughnuts, there will be activities for all ages.

Highlights include a police obstacle course, balloon animals, resource booths and music. The Bainbridge Island Senior Center will make police hats and badges and assist with child ID kits, and there is also a Touch-A-Truck area that includes a police car, a Washington State Patrol bomb truck, an FBI crime scene vehicle, a police training vehicle, a tow truck, and much more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win a child’s police bike, a basket full of BIPD swag, a child’s birthday party at the police department, lunch with Chief Matthew Hamner, and a ride on the department’s police boat.

The evening’s biggest thrill, though, will be the chance for visitors to compete against Chief Hamner in a doughnut-eating challenge.

“Don’t miss this great family opportunity to learn more about crime prevention, meet the officers that serve you, and have some fun!” Hamner said.

National Night Out takes place annually on the first Tuesday in August to heighten awareness and strengthen local anti-crime efforts, and to build police-community relationships. Support for National Night Out is provided by nonprofit organizations and local merchants, including Town & Country Market.

“Don’t miss this great family opportunity to learn more about crime prevention, meet the officers that serve you, and have some fun!” Hamner said.

Bainbridge police note that residents who can’t attend the celebration can still participate in the event by leaving their front porch light on, which is a hallmark of the event.

For more information about National Night Out, check the city’s website at http://ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/ or contact Officer Carla Sias at csias@bainbridgewa.gov.