Held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the free event featured a wide variety of activities and attractions for children and families. Guests enjoyed free admission to the pool, hot dogs, pizza, drinks, chips, cotton candy, games, face painting, giveaways, and the opportunity to meet McGruff the Crime Dog.
Visitors also explored public safety displays and demonstrations, including a drone demonstration, the Pottsville Fire Department's Safety House, and child identification kits provided through the National Child ID Program. Numerous local organizations and agencies were also on hand to share information and connect with residents.
One of the highlights of the evening was a bicycle raffle for children in attendance. Every child received a free raffle ticket for the chance to win one of two bicycles donated by Walmart.
Community organizations participating in the event included Schuylkill EMS, FCI Schuylkill, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County MH/DS/D&A, SARCC, Schuylkill Hope Center, Clinical Outcomes Group, Pottsville Library, Lifelong Learning Center-IU29, Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Edenbrook Greenwood Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation, JUMP4JOYAEROBICS, Helping Harvest, the Pottsville Recreation Commission, Pottsville Kiwanis Club, Pottsville Lions Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and many others.
Following the event, the Pottsville Bureau of Police and Pottsville Bureau of Fire thanked everyone who helped make the evening possible.
The departments extended special recognition to Nora Lea Matz, Jill Freeman, Captain Welsh, and Chief Misstishin for their leadership, coordination, and countless hours of planning that brought the event together.
Matz was also recognized by the City of Pottsville for her nearly 20 years of dedication to the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
Officials also expressed appreciation to the event's many sponsors and supporters, including Pottsville Fire Company No. 1, Womer's Garage, Domino's, Green's Communications, 7-Eleven, the JFK Recreation Facility, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Highway Safety Network, Walmart, the National Child ID Program, Schuylkill EMS, and numerous volunteers and community partners.
According to the departments, those contributions helped provide food, activities, safety programs, and giveaways that created a memorable evening for local families.
"National Night Out is about building relationships, strengthening trust, and bringing our community together," the departments said in a statement after the event. "Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, first responders, and the many families that attended, we believe we accomplished exactly that."
Police and fire officials added that they believe this year's celebration was one of Pottsville's most successful National Night Out events to date and said they look forward to building on those partnerships for next year's event.
Officials also expressed appreciation to the event's many sponsors and supporters, including Pottsville Fire Company No. 1, Womer's Garage, Domino's, Green's Communications, 7-Eleven, the JFK Recreation Facility, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Highway Safety Network, Walmart, the National Child ID Program, Schuylkill EMS, and numerous volunteers and community partners.
According to the departments, those contributions helped provide food, activities, safety programs, and giveaways that created a memorable evening for local families.
"National Night Out is about building relationships, strengthening trust, and bringing our community together," the departments said in a statement after the event. "Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, first responders, and the many families that attended, we believe we accomplished exactly that."
Police and fire officials added that they believe this year's celebration was one of Pottsville's most successful National Night Out events to date and said they look forward to building on those partnerships for next year's event.
Pottsville was one of several Schuylkill County communities celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday. Similar events were also held in Girardville, Shenandoah, Coaldale, Tamaqua, and Orwigsburg, each offering residents the opportunity to meet local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and community organizations while enjoying family-friendly activities.
The community celebrations will continue later this week and next. Cressona will host its Community Night on Thursday, August 6, while Ashland will hold its annual Community Night on Tuesday, August 11, giving even more residents across Schuylkill County the chance to connect with first responders and neighbors while celebrating the spirit of community.
The community celebrations will continue later this week and next. Cressona will host its Community Night on Thursday, August 6, while Ashland will hold its annual Community Night on Tuesday, August 11, giving even more residents across Schuylkill County the chance to connect with first responders and neighbors while celebrating the spirit of community.
