Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Harrisburg Police Bureau, community groups band together for National Night Out.

The historic Shipoke neighborhood will be the site of National Night Out festivities tonight. (File photo)

Who says there’s nothing to do on Tuesday nights?

The Harrisburg Police Bureau is partnering with neighborhood organizations tonight to host National Night Out, a series of free events at locations throughout the city.

National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police partnerships in communities across the country. This is the Harrisburg Police Bureau’s first NNO event in recent years, according to Harrisburg community policing coordinator Blake Lynch.

Members of the bureau will host the flagship event at Sunshine Park, also known as Morrison Park, at 12th & Herr streets from 5 to 8 p.m. The free, outdoor event will feature more than 50 vendors, including the Pennsylvania State Police, the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and EMS personnel, Lynch said.

Participants can enjoy free games, live entertainment and police K-9 and helicopter demonstrations. Free food and drinks will be on hand, with police officers serving complimentary Kona Ice and Farm Show milkshakes from the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

Neighborhood associations are putting on their own, simultaneous events at locations across the city. Law enforcement officials will be present at each one, along with community nonprofits, businesses and food vendors.

The South Allison Hill Homeowners & Residents Association (SAHHRA) will host its 35th annual NNO Celebration from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Heart of the Community Garden on Derry and Kittatinny streets.

“National Night Out gives our community a chance to stand together to promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity and celebrate our community’s accomplishments over the past year: a lower crime rate, cleaner neighborhoods, and redevelopment of blighted properties,” said SAHHRA president Shirley Blanton.

Friend of Midtown will host an event in the Broad Street Market courtyard from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, and the Shipoke Neighborhood Association will hold a gathering at the Riverfront Park Gazebo starting at 6:30 p.m.

All NNO events are free and open to the public.

Continue Reading