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National Night Out set Aug. 1 at Fairgrounds
With back-to-school season now upon us, the 16th year of Putnam County National Night Out is also just around the corner.
The event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 1 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds beginning at 5 p.m. and running until 8 p.m., rain or shine.
The many community partners taking part in the event have again come together to provide a night of food, fun and back-to-school supplies for local families.
“The committee has been attending meetings since February, collaborating and sharing ideas,” said Linda Merkel, who co-chairs the event. “Each year we experience an increase in our membership and we are always looking for new members that have a passion to serve the greater good. Our ultimate goal is to encourage and support our families in making appropriate decisions by teaching children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. We want all children to have every opportunity to grow up safe, healthy and to experience a successful and happy future.”
Everyone is to enter and exit the fairgrounds at the north end. Greeters will be stationed at the entrance to share a map to help all the booths along with the food and drinks donated by the events many partners.
Those participating include Heather Taylor State Farm Insurance, Putnam County Hospital, Indiana Excise Police, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Roachdale Police, Bainbridge Police, Greencastle Fire Department, Dr. John Hennett’s dental office, Duke Energy, Jack’s Trash, Jim Maxwell Bicycle Safety (Kiwanis), 811, Co-Alliance, Cummins Behavioral Health, Putnam County Democratic Party, Hamilton Center, North Putnam Community Schools, Tools for Schools, Coats for Kids, Putnam County 911, Putnam County Public Library, StatFlight, Greencastle Parks Department, Purdue Extension, National Guard Armory, Putnam County CERT, Putnam County Health Department, Boy Scout Pack 99, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), EMS, Teachers Credit Union, Putnam County PIE Coalition, James Figgy Hardwick Entertainment, Putnam County Family Support Services and Karen Martoglio - Mental Health America of Putnam County.
Financial partners include Putnam County Fairgrounds, Duke Energy, Putnam County Hospital, PIE Coalition, FIREFLY (formerly Community Partners), Buzzi Unicem, Teacher’s Credit Union, Lion’s Club, and Kelly and John Robertson. Those donating items are Butler’s LP, Big Bounce Fun House, Flower’s Bakery, John Garl Bikes, Kevin Girton, PC Culligan Water, Casey’s Roachdale, Chicago’s Cloverdale, Putnam County CERT, Putnam County Homemaker’s Club, Casey’s Greencastle, Noble Romans, Monical’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, Kroger and Aldi.
Many attendees have registered for the Tools for Schools station and Coats for Kids area. Those who were not able to are still encouraged to check at each location so organizers can secure the necessary information to ensure children are prepared for school and for colder weather.
The public is reminded that this is free to all to attend. The event is possible because of the many community members who so freely give of their resources and/or their time.
Anyone who has not attended in the past is encouraged not to miss the opportunity to have an evening of fun before the kids head back to school.
Any organizations or individuals who would like to participate are invited to contact Merkel at 720-5535 or wlmerkel7@gmail.com, or Chief Tom Sutherlin at the Greencastle Police Department.
The event will take place on Monday, Aug. 1, rain or shine.