Guernsey County to hold National Night Out event at Cambridge City Park on Tuesday
Guernsey County will be taking part for the first time in the National Night Out event this week.
National Night Out is a nationwide event held annually on the first Tuesday in August as a way to enhance the relationships between residents and local law enforcement while strengthen the sense of community.
The event which will be held at Cambridge City Park big pavilion, 1101 McFarland Drive from 6-9 p.m., will feature a variety of activates for youth and adults, food, giveaways and interactions with the county's law enforcement and first responders.
A few of the activities that law enforcement will participate with event attendees include: tug-of-war, tricycle races, a dunk tank, cornhole, face painting, archery, and more.
The Guernsey County Sheriff's Office has donated hot dogs, chips and water for the event.
The event is free except for the dunk tank which is $1 for three throws. Volunteers to go into the dunk tank include school resource officers Officer Ben Harper and Officer Ryan Oliver and Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr. The proceeds from this will be donated to Secret Santa.
Cambridge Police Department will have a least 10 officers at the event and a K-9 demonstration.
Capt. Dave Peoples of the Cambridge Police Department has hopes the event will make a difference in the community.
"It not only law enforcement out there interacting in a non-working way, but there is also all the other people out there that make a difference who will be there too," Peoples said. "All the mental health services and alcohols and drug treatment people will be there so maybe those who use can get an idea on what services they offer and maybe follow up if needed, and also just have a good time."
Guernsey County agencies participating include: The Guernsey County Sherriff's Office, Cambridge Police Department, Cambridge Fire Department, Byesville Police Department,, Ohio State Highway Patrol, MVHC, SEORMC, Haven of Hope, Mid Ohio Behavioral Health, Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center, Cedar Ridge, Allwell, New Pointe Church, The Salvation Army, United Way, People to People, Stop Nine Church of Christ, Guernsey County Emergency Management Agency, Area Agency on Aging Region 9, all the areas drug and alcohol partners and the three area school districts.
All the organization participating will be hosting activities or providing give-aways.
The Cambridge High School football team is helping with the tug-of-war and the Buckeye Trail cheerleaders will be doing face painting
Following the suggestion to have the event by resident Cassie Springer, the event is organized by The Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, Guernsey Young leaders and Kim Conrath and the Citizens' Police Academy.
"The whole idea behind it is to bridge that gap that unfortunately happens in the community. We want our first responders to be seen as the good guys so they are going to do the activities with local folks," Jennifer Vincent, president, Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce said. "We would love to see people come out enjoy a free evening of fun along side our first responders and as a community appreciate those who work hard to keep us safe everyday."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: National Night Out: Cambridge park to host Guernsey County event
