by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The skies may have been gray for Walpole’s annual National Night Out (NNO), but the mood at the event was anything but dreary. Locals converged on Stone Field to celebrate the popular event, many happy to get out after a week of unsettled weather. “I’m so sick of all the rain we’ve been having,” one mother said as she boarded the trackless train with her children. “I know we need it, but I just love being outside in the summer!”
Those that attended were not disappointed, as there was something on offer for just about everyone. Excited kids lined up for the four giant inflatables, the aforementioned trackless train, a turn playing miniature floor hockey, and face painting. Both the Walpole Police and Walpole Fire Departments were also in attendance, chatting with residents and offering kiddos photo opportunities and the chance to put out wooden “fires” on a demonstration house with a hose, which was a big hit. There were also a number of food trucks, selling everything from hot dogs to barbecue to waffles with decadent toppings that you could enjoy while listening to the popular local band “Catnip Junkies” perform under a tent in the middle of the field. Lastly, Walpole Recreation staff were handing out goodies like bubbles and light-up rings to elated children that stopped by their booth.
NNO was founded by Matt Peskin, President of the National Association of Town Watch, in 1984. The first event was held in Philadelphia, PA, and largely consisted of folks turning on their front lights and sitting outside. Since those early days, it has grown to include more than 38 million people in over 16,000 communities across the country. According to the NNO website (natw.org): “NNO is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.”
Our local NNO is hosted by Walpole Recreation, in collaboration with the Walpole Public Safety Departments. Though this year’s event is over, you can still enjoy live local music at the one remaining Concerts on the Common, also hosted by Walpole Recreation, on August 27th. This event will be held on the town common and begin at 6:00 p.m.
