'The value of community'

National Night Out brings community together

Simpsonville, S.C. — The Simpsonville Police Department hosted National Night Out at CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park on Tuesday night in a successful effort to strengthen bonds between law enforcement and the community and provide good old-fashioned family-friendly fun.

A family gets a few snacks from the Simpsonville Police Department at National Night Out on Tuesday night | City of Simpsonville

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships between police and communities. The event is one way in which public safety officials and first responders can fellowship with community members under positive circumstances.

Simpsonville Police Chief Mike Hanshaw said National Night Out was a success.

"The Simpsonville Police Department is committed to protecting and serving Simpsonville residents and visitors," Hanshaw said. "For Simpsonville officers, serving is more than just law enforcement; it's reaching out to the community, providing family-friendly events and connecting with those whom we are sworn to protect."

National Night Out featured food provided by Burger King and Chick-fil-A, drinks provided by Pepsi, live music by rock band Widow Lake, police and first responder vehicles, car show and a blood drive by The Blood Connection. 

Burger King provided free hamburgers for National Night Out | City of Simpsonville

Rock band Widow Lake played a free show at National Night Out in the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park | City of Simpsonville

Along with National Night Out, the Simpsonville Parks & Recreation Department hosted a free showing of the kids movie Playing with Fire as the third installment of this year's Movies in the Park series at CCNB Amphitheatre. Approximately 250 people attended the showing.

Approximately 250 people attended the free showing of Playing with Fire at the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park | City of Simpsonville

Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell said the City of Simpsonville will offer as many outdoor events for the public as it can during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"At the core of National Night Out and Movies in the Park is the value of community," Campbell said. 

To help prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019, the public was asked to follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control, including social distancing, washing hands frequently, staying home if experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms and wearing masks if possible.

The public was asked to follow guidelines issued by the CDC and SCDHEC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 | City of Simpsonville

For more information about National Night Out, visit www.natw.org.