(Posted July 22, 2021)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
National Night Out (NNO) is a chance for residents and first responders to get to know each other in a family-friendly setting. On Aug. 3, three communities in Madison County are hosting NNO activities.
Choctaw Lake
The Choctaw Lake community and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office lake patrol are offering NNO festivities from 5 to 9 p.m. at the beach, 2875 Oneida Dr., London.
Counterpoint, a band from the London area, will perform from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Rendition, a band from the Columbus area, will play from 6:30 to 8:30. Both specialize in soft rock from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.
Medflight will land at approximately 5:45 p.m. Central Townships Joint Fire District will lead a demonstration of the Jaws of Life. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is bringing a horse. The West Jefferson post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be on site with a K-9 dog. Several other first responders will be on hand.
Visitors are invited to enjoy bounce houses, access to the beach for swimming, and free food including hamburgers, hotdogs, side dishes, and ice cream.
“Everything is free. We appreciate all the sponsors who help to make the event happen,” said Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Rosales.
The only thing that isn’t free are tickets for the gas card raffle. Organizers are raffling off two $50 Marathon cards and four $25 Speedway cards. Tickets for the Marathon cards are $5 each. Tickets for the Speedway cards are $3 each.
The lake did not hold NNO activities last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Two years ago, we had about 500 people show up. We’re thinking we will have more this year since everything was shut down last year and people are wanting to do stuff outside. I think we will have a large turnout,” Rosales said.
London
Those who attend London’s NNO event, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cowling Park, will be treated to an up-close look at a wide array of first responder and city vehicles, from fire trucks and police cruisers to medics, wreckers, and loaders.
Ygor, the London Police Department’s K-9 officer, will make an appearance. Several community organizations, such as Madison County Public Health, Madison County Children’s Services, and Loving Care Hospice, are taking part, as well.
Visitors can enter the baseball throwing contest. The police department will use a radar gun to see who throws the fastest. Free hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream will be offered, and anyone who shows they have downloaded the London Police Department’s app on their phones will be entered into a door prize giveaway.
West Jefferson
West Jefferson’s NNO activities are scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 230 Cemetery Rd.
MedFlight will land at 6:30 p.m. and take off at 7. The West Jefferson post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will have a K-9 dog on site. The West Jefferson Police Department, Jefferson Township Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Highway Patrol will display vehicles.
Madison County Prosecutor Nicholas Adkins and West Jefferson Mayor Ray Martin will be giving out hotdogs. Free ice cream is planned, too. Children’s activities are slated to take place inside and outside the community center.
“Come and meet your neighbors and meet your first responders,” said West Jefferson Police Chief Chris Floyd.
