Established in 1984, this annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. In Michigan, 68 cities – including Flint and Grand Blanc – provide a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Typically held on the first Tuesday in August, the event invites millions of people across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases to take part in block parties, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more.
This year, local participating organizations included the Flint Township and Grand Blanc Township Police Departments, offering attendees a variety of family-friendly summer fun!
Flint Township
“This was our 26th Annual National Night Out, and it turned out to be our largest event ever,” stated Community Resource Officer John Chisa. “We had over 2,000 attendees, making it a true community effort. Every dollar and item for the event was generously donated and Roadrunner Towing served as our Platinum title sponsor.”
The crowds consumed over 1,000 hot dog dinners with the support of Matrix Expedition Services, and sponsors enjoyed catered food in a pre-event VIP room thanks to Roadrunner Towing and Kroger. Cops & Robbers Ice Cream & Gifts served over 1,000 ice cream cones and over 50 local vendors offered a variety of giveaway items.
The evening was packed with activities, including raffles of 20 bikes for kids, performances by the Carman-Ainsworth Senior Dancers, a demonstration by the Flint Township Fire Department, and K9 demonstrations by the FTPD and Michigan State Police. “We also had clowns, face-painting, bounce houses, slides and a dunk tank provided by Ford’s Party Rental where attendees could ‘dunk-a-cop’ – all free of charge, as always,” Chisa added.
Grand Blanc Township
“Considering the inch and a half of rain we had just prior to the event, the turnout was great!” exclaimed Ronelle Ervin, Grand Blanc Township Administrative Assistant. “As a matter of fact, there was a slight drizzle as we got started at 5pm, which later gave way to beautiful, clear skies.”
Throughout the evening, around 850 attendees enjoyed hot dogs and other treats. Children interacted with McGruff the Crime Dog®, were entertained by “Lolly” the clown and played in giant inflatables. A demonstration by GBTPD K9 officers thrilled the whole crowd and the Grand Blanc Fire Department also made an appearance. By the event’s conclusion, the GBTPD had given away bicycles to two lucky kids courtesy of ELGA Credit Union, a Blackstone grill to an adult attendee courtesy of Walmart – Grand Blanc, and an ADT alarm system courtesy of ADT Grand Blanc.
