The western Clark County communities of Enon and New Carlisle have held these events for more than 20 years. It has always been important to us for emergency first responders and our children get to know each other. Having a good rapport with the police, firefighters, and deputies is one of the things that makes it so nice to live here.
Enon has one of the biggest National Night Out events in the area. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Indian Valley School, 510 S. Xenia Dr., Enon.
One of the organizers, Kristy Thome, tries to make this event bigger every year. This year’s event features free hot dogs and games supplied by Speedway and cooked by the VFW, a DJ, Care Flight, “Dunk a Cop,” a 24-foot rock climbing wall and slide. There will also be information tables for the County Prosecutor, and other agencies and groups.
“This event gives children an opportunity to meet and interact with officers,” Thome said. “They can get to know officers and feel like they can talk with them.”
The activities will be free, except for a 50/50 drawing and raffle, which will support the Shop with a Cop program. Prizes have been donated by local people and businesses, which includes two Kindles.
Thome was also appreciative that the Greenon Local School District made the Indian Valley School available for this important event.
Getting to know the local first responders includes meeting firefighters, and EMTs. Enon Police will be on hand in addition to Clark County Deputies.
“This is a really good thing,” said Enon Police Chief Lew Wilcox, who enjoys meeting with the community members and looks forward to this event every year.
Meanwhile, New Carlisle will also have a National Night Out event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren parking lot, 219 North Main St. It is growing every year also.
First responders from the fire department and EMTs will be on hand to meet the community. A Clark County Deputy will be on hand for part of the evening.
“These are the people that when you need them, they will be there,” Event organizer Jennie Stump said.
Live music will be provided by Wayne Hobbs on his steel guitar. Hobbs has recorded with many major artists, according Stump.
“We wanted Care Flight, but there are too many power lines in the way,” said Stump, who was quite happy when “Care Flight on Wheels” agreed to be on hand.
Identi-Kid Kits will be available, in addition to a food truck and face painting.
“The girls who did the face painting did an awesome job last year,” Stump said.
There will be a 50/50 drawing and a raffle for a variety of donated prizes. Information tables by FYI, the Ohio Attorney General, and more will be set up.
With all the sad things going on in this world right now, I am glad that our communities are working in a positive direction, building rapport and respect between the community and our first responders.
National Night Out is the perfect opportunity for each of us to thank local officers and responders and tell them how much we appreciate what they do.
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