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Several Calvert County communities offered residents a chance to celebrate summer with a traditional block party known as National Night Out. No need to worry about the cops being called to break up this party. Law enforcement plays a huge role in the early evening celebration, which took place Tuesday, Aug. 7.

The Bay Net visited three of Calvert’s 2012 National Night Out events—in the Long Beach subdivision in St. Leonard, the Lusby subdivision of White Sands and the bayside community of Dares Beach.

The Long Beach event featured live entertainment by country vocalist John Hayden, personnel from the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (Company 7) and deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. Dona Turner of the Gateway Early Learning Center served shredded pork sandwiches to attendees, who also feasted on pizza. Budding pitching aces got to hone their skills while a member of the sheriff’s Patrol Division gauged their velocity with a speed gun. Pitching accuracy was essential to sinking a Company 7 volunteer sitting in the dunk tank.

Big huge snakes invaded the White Sands National Night Out event. The sheriff’s office Mobile Command vehicle was also on site for tours. In additional to face-painting, continuous prize giveaways and information from several organizations, including the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA), attendees enjoyed eating hotdogs and cotton candy. All of Calvert’s National Night Out events were coordinated by CAASA.

Dares Beach went to the dogs during the special evening. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit members were at the event as well as the Animal Control Unit officers. Members of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2) and the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad (Company 4) also mingled with the residents. There was enough food to feed the multitude in attendance.

National Night Out was started in the early 1980s. It is held as a way to stress the important role citizens play in crime prevention and public safety. The local National Night Out event receives funding from Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com