Community Corner
Meriden’s National Night Out a Hit in the Community
The new location at Hubbard Park proved a beneficial one for organizers as the eighth city-hosted event and celebration of the 30th National Night Out in America saw thousands flock to the bandshell for food, fun and community unity.
Meriden resident Aneta Zawadzki had heard of National Night Out before attending Tuesday evening with her son Daniel, 4, but she never realized just how big the festival was.
Looking around Hubbard Park at the games, food, giveaways and other activities provided by nearly 50 vendors, she said it’s a great community event and one she looks forward to bringing her son back to every year.
“This is great, there’s so much for them to do and see,” she said. “It’s definitely something that encourages families to get active in the community.”
Zawadzki was one of thousands who attended the eighth annual event in Meriden Tuesday evening as the community came together to celebrate neighborhoods, encourage community unity and help combat crime. The event, hosted in Meriden by the Council of Neighborhood Associations and Meriden Police Department, was one of hundreds that took place across the country.
National Night Out is an annual celebration initially designed to bring police and residents together to combat crime and encourage positive activities for youth said Holly Wills, president of Meriden CONA.
“When you look behind me and see all these people, this is what we do it for,” she said. “Whenever you change venues, it’s hard to tell who will come along. This shows us it’s more about the event and what it stands for then where it is held.”
Meriden Police Chief Jeffry Cossette said the event is also an opportunity for residents to connect directly with officers. The department has expanded it’s community policing division in recent years, he said, but it’s the partnership with Meriden residents that helps make a difference.
As the event continues to grow, Wills said Tuesday that the committee will need to discuss whether to return the event to City Park or continue to move forward with the program being held at Hubbard Park.
“It’s a good venue and it’s something we will need to discuss,” she said.
Make sure to like Meriden Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
