National Night Out

Let’s be honest, any event that offers free food, music and a bunch of complimentary goods is a must-do in my book. However, this was not the intent (but was a perk) of National Night Out.

According to the National Night Out (NNO) website, NNO is a unique drug and crime prevention event hosted in communities nationwide. As found on the NNO website, the event is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Our specific evening started off with a parade, which of course entertained Bubba (minus the police car that decided to sound it’s siren right in front of him). When the parade ended, there were numerous different vendors set-up distributing food, information, and other free goodies to all the participants. There were bouncy castles (too big for our Bubba and unfortunately too small for us), a DJ, and other fun events for families to enjoy.

Bubba ate some ice cream, had a Safe Child ID Card made, and had his picture taken with the Military Police Dog. We were given a free dinner as well as other gifts and toys, and overall we had a great time 🙂

As much as I complain about being stationed in upstate New York, there are a ton of fun things to do around here if you actually take advantage of them. I guess that applies to anywhere though, it’s what you make of it!

Being an Army family, we’re expected to move around a lot. I’ve decided to make a bucket list to complete for our remaining time in New York. Instead of complaining about all of the things I can’t do while here, I’m going to start crossing things off my list that we want/should do before we leave.

For more information on this great event, visit the website at http://www.natw.org/nno/index.html

Here are some pictures from our family’s big night out… enjoy!