A past National Night Out in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg community will soon get a chance to interact with area first responders during a fun, family-friendly event.
National Night Out will return to the city on Aug. 1 with the goal of creating a space for residents and members of the Harrisburg Police and Fire Bureaus to meet and share a night of food, music and activities.
The festivities will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on City Island.
National Night Out block parties take place annually across the country on the first Tuesday of August.
“We often times are so busy that we don’t have enough time to be able to extend ourselves in our regular duties,” said Chardan Huston, director of community relations and engagement for the Harrisburg Police Bureau. “This is an opportunity to be able to do that and engage with our community, to show them who we are and what we look like, and be able to interact in a safe environment.”
Throughout the evening, there will be games, face painting, a police cadet dunk tank, pop-up mini golf holes and live music, courtesy the John Christopher Wave Quartet. Additionally, kids can explore a firetruck and watch police K-9 demonstrations.
A BMX bike trick show by Dialed Action Sports will take place as well.
Attendees can get a bite to eat from Bricker’s Famous French Fires, Schander’s, Farm Show Milkshakes and Blue Bear BBQ, a food truck operated by Harrisburg Police Officer Wesley Feduke. City Island Water Golf has also donated 500 ice cream sandwiches and water.
In addition, more than 30 community vendors will be on site, the City Island Railroad and carousel will be running and The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will offer free 30-minute rides for families. Water Golf will be closed.
“City Island is a great venue to be at,” Huston said. “It’s a family-oriented venue, and a great park that highlights a lot of activities our children don’t normally get a chance to experience.”
According to Huston, this is the first time the event will be held on City Island. As the event has grown in the past few years, the city has realized the need for a larger space, she said.
Parking is available for free in both the north and south parking lots on City Island. Bicycle riders can park for free near where the batting cages and arcade used to be located, courtesy of Recycle Bicycle.
In addition, Capital Area Transit will offer free bus service on all city routes from 5 to 8:30 p.m. to help families get downtown. Harrisburg Police will offer golf cart shuttle service across the Walnut Street Bridge for people with handicaps. Handicap parking will be available near the stables on City Island.
No cars will be allowed on Riverside Drive or Championship Way during National Night Out.
For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.
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