Katrina King of Nanjemoy holds 11-month-old Kamaria Butler at the Nanjemoy Community Center’s National Night Out event Aug. 2.

Southern Maryland, MD— On August 2, neighbors around the United States participate in what is known as National Night Out. This night is an annual event that brings communities together with the hope to strengthen neighborhood bonds. 

National Night Out promotes communities and law enforcement agencies to come together and work on dynamics such neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer places for everyone. 

This year like past years all three counties in the Southern Maryland area participated in this annual event, with a great turnout in each county. 

St.Mary’s County had nearly 20 communities participate in National Night Out, stretching from Mechanicsville to California. Wicomico Shores had a great turn out, with many organizations presenting information to community members. Organizations such as MJC’s Bouncy LLC, Practical Training Professionals (PTP), and Southern Maryland Paintball to just name a few. 

Missy Coppins, who is an event coordinator within the Wicomico Shores neighborhood stated, ” Life seems to get so busy with work, kids’ schedules and vacations but two hours during the week is definitely doable for the health of your community. Much love and respect to the neighbors and to our local heroes who keep us safe.”

In Calvert County, several communities, including Dares Beach, held a block party. Crews from the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2) brought trucks to the event, including their tower truck. Members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol gave the younger residents tips on bicycle safety. County Commissioner Pat Nutter, who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, spent some time at the Dares Beach event visiting with residents. 

Organizer of the annual National Night Out event at Nanjemoy Community Center Donna Adebahr said Tuesday, Aug. 3, “This is my third year, but we’ve been doing it forever.

“This is one of the very best events we have,” she said. “We easily have 275 people here tonight,” Adebahr stated. “I know I bought 370 hot dogs and we only have about 50 left.”

Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies handed out gifts to kids, who also toured fire engines and emergency equipment featured by the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Rescue Squad.