National Night Out picnic to be held at Northmoreland Park
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Allegheny Township is hosting a picnic next month at Northmoreland Park as part as part of the community’s participation in National Night Out.
It’s a free gathering aimed at building relationships between first responders and the community and serves as a positive crime and drug prevention event.
Coordinated by the Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol Commission and Council on Substance Abuse and Youth, the community-centered event in Northmoreland Park started in 2018, but last year’s event was canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Folks of all ages are invited to stop by Pavilion No. 8 in Northmoreland Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4., located at 280 Markle Rd. in Allegheny Township.
Attendees are not required to reside in Westmoreland County.
“We welcome anyone from anywhere,” said event co-coordinator Sarah Dunford, prevention specialist with the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Parking is free and no pre-registration is required.
Complimentary hot dogs, chips, water and cookies will be available.
“It’s a good sense of community,” Dunford said. “They’re there to protect us and help us when we are in need and it’s good to have that personal interaction with the first responders and police.”
Participating first responders, EMS staff, fire departments and police will set up booths and displays and the Greensburg bloodhound team, a helicopter and various police and fire vehicles will be on display for attendees, particularly youngsters, to explore.
“This is family-friendly and we want to see as many kids there as possible,” Dunford said.
Entertainment in the form of DJ music will be provided by Band Together Pittsburgh, a group providing those on the autism spectrum an opportunity to create and perform music.
Attendees completing an event punch card will be eligible to enter for a chance to win a deluxe raffle basket.
Dunford said the event usually draws about 400 people and is held rain-or-shine.
To learn more: natw.org