“National Night Out” — a special day to “take a bite out of crime” by raising awareness of crime prevention measures, promoting police and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie by enjoying a summer night outside socializing — took place Tuesday nationwide.
Now in its 41st year, the event is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday in August. The Riverhead Police Department and local neighborhood watch and civic groups organize National Night Out block parties, which include giveaways sponsored by the Riverhead Police Crime Prevention Unit and a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog.
But Tuesday evening’s inclement weather forced cancellation of all but one of the annual outdoor events planned locally this year, Riverhead Police Chief Edward Frost said.
Wildwood Acres Civic Association, which is able to set up its National Night Out event in a pavilion, was the only local celebration to take place Tuesday, Frost said. When rain started to fall at 6:30 p.m., residents had a place to take cover, the chief said.
The National Night Out celebration kicks off each year in Riverhead with the announcement of the winners of a poster contest at the Town Board meeting held on the first Tuesday in August.
The poster contest is conducted by the Riverhead Recreation Department’s summer camp program. Campers learn about National Night Out, crime awareness and things everyone can do to make sure they’re safe during a presentation at camp by the Crime Prevention Unit, Riverhead Police Lt. Jonathan Devereaux said. McGruff the Crime Dog and Riverhead PD’s own K-9 dogs also visit the camp, he said.
After the presentation, campers are asked to create posters for a contest, Devereaux said.
The winning posters are displayed at Town Hall and the winners are invited to attend the Town Board meeting, where they pick up a prize and a certificate of recognition.
“The kids really do a good job,” Supervisor Tim Hubbard said at Tuesday afternoon’s Town Board meeting. Hubbard and the Town Board presented certificates to winners in three age groups: ages 5 and 6, 7 and 8 and 9 to 12.
Prizes were donated by the Long Island Aquarium, Bagel Lovers, Dairyland, Riverhead PBA and other local businesses, Devereaux said.
The National Night Out/Riverhead 2024 poster contest winners:
First place: Thomas Schmitt, Johana Canel Crespo, Hayden Macua Salan
Second place: Daniel Lersch, Odin Densieski, Peyton Chekijian
Third place: Seonna Eure, Ahkeer Mims, Sophie Murphy
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
